The story of a wounded soldier's fear of rejection and a wife's devotion.
Inspired by a true story.
Steven Jeffrey
Marcy Priest-Jackson
Listen:
Not Like the Other Ones
I’ve seen those wives
When they get their first look
At their soldier and see
That somethin’s been took
Don’t want to be the next
Bagged casualty
But, if I saw that look,
When you looked at me…
So Baby, think twice
‘Fore you get on that plane
You can walk away now,
It’ll be no shame
Not a hard choice yet,
But it’s gonna get worse
When you see what’s left
Of a war’s cruel curse
I’m not like the other guys
I’m not like the other guys
My arms can’t hold you
Or my hands caress
The beautiful face
Of the girl I left
I’m broken and beaten,
As a man can be
I don’t want you to see,
What’s become of me
I’m not like the other guys
I’m not like the other guys
We knew the stakes
Of the mission you made
Either you’d die young
Or we’d hold a parade
Now we’re somewhere between
But I promise you now
I’m gonna stand by you
And we’ll make it somehow
I’m not like the other girls
I’m not like the other girls
My arms can hold you
And my hands caress
The man I married
And gave my pledge
You as broken and beaten,
As a man can be
But Baby, I promise
You’ll aways have me
I’m not like the other girls
I’m not like the other girls
Here we are standing
In the very same place
Got my arms around you
And we’re face to face
I promise you darlin’
If you’re ready to try
One way or another
We’ll make a new life
One way or another
We’ll make a new life
We’re not like the other ones
We’re not like the other ones
Your arms can hold me
And my hands caress
The one I married and
Gave my pledge
I promise you darlin’
If you’re ready to try
One way or another
We’ll make a new life
We’re not like the other ones
We’re not like the other ones
We’re not like the other ones
Inspired by a true story
Vietnam veteran, Dave Roever, and his wife Brenda are the inspirations behind Not Like the Other Ones. I had the privilege of going with Dave to several of his high school rallies in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and heard him tell of his experience of coming back to the states, with an army buddy, both of whom were severely wounded in battle.
When his buddy’s wife came to the military hospital and saw her husband’s condition, she took off her wedding ring, threw it in-between his legs and told him she could never stay married to a man who looked like that. Dave’s buddy died that night.
Fear gripped him as he imagined his own wife responding in the same way. He knew, if she did, he would not survive the night.
However, when Brenda Roever finally arrived and saw her husband, she never wavered in her love or commitment. Dave survived and went on to have an amazing career as a motivational speaker to youth, civic, veteran, and church groups all across the USA. Dave was a frequent guest of Billy Graham at his world televised crusades.
Having seen appeals by groups like Wounded Warriors, The Gary Sinese Foundation, Tunnels to Towers and other likeminded organizations, it felt like the right time to write a bold love song about these courageous military men and women, their spouses, and families. Hopefully, the song inspires them to affirm their love and support to one another, and challenges us all to give generously toward these heroic organizations, not once, but on an ongoing basis.
—Kenneth Wayne Wood
Credits
Words and Music: Kenneth Wayne Wood
Producers: David Hooten,
LG Hamilton,
Kenneth Wood
Vocals: Steven Jeffrey & Marcy Priest-Jackson
Musicians:
Guitars and Bass Steven Jeffrey
Drums and Guitars Trent Austin
Keyboards LG Hamilton
Recorded at: The Music Group, Edmond, OK
Mix: Kevin Lively Mastering, Edmond, OK
Kenneth Wayne Wood Music, Publisher
Released: November 10, 2020
© 2020 Kenneth Wayne Wood