I live and breathe country music because it tells a story. It has the words I can’t express. It makes me feel very deep emotions. There is always a country song that can relate to every aspect of my life. And the best thing about country music is its patriotic roots. For example: “Only in America” by Brooks & Dunn, “Arlington” by Trace Adkins, “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly” by Aaron Tippin, “American Soldier” by Toby Keith, “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood. plus the many country songs written out of tragedy, just for example. Now enter “Flipside”, sung by Andy Velo.
“Flipside” was written by Doug Johnson (”Three Wooden Crosses”) and Bart Butler. The song struck a cord with Andy when he heard it from the first time. It reminded him of his friend David who left for basic training in the Navy right after graduation. Andy too, had considered joining the military. It took him back to the two of them and another friend hanging out at the station waiting on the bus to come and pick David up.
The opening of Flipside reminds me of 90s country, which I’m obsessed with so the song immediately grabbed my attention. Emotion shines out in Andy’s voice and there’s such a calming tone within the chords.
In this day and age, everyone knows someone who has left for the military, whether it be a parent, a sibling, extended family, or a friend. This song is for them, and for the loved one they are sending off, to let them know everyone will be waiting for them when they get back.
This song brought up an old memory of mine. Before sending a friend off, we spent his last free night at a Corey Smith concert in Charleston. It also reminded me of when a friend and former coworker sent her son off to basic. Oh how proud she was, but also how she missed her son so much, especially during the holidays when there was an empty seat at the table and she would worry about he would be spending the holidays.
From Andy…
This song and this video is for anyone who has served or is serving in our great nation’s armed forces. In one way or another, every single one of us has all been here, exactly where this song portrays. In a place where we have a brother, sister, mother, father, extended family member, or friend choose to give up what we consider to be a normal life to protect our freedoms and sovereignty both home and abroad. We are all allowed to experience these things because of them; because of their selfless sacrifice. God bless you all and God bless the United States Of America.
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