Oklahoma Bill
Oklahoma Bill: A Tale of Courage and Sacrifice in Song
Lyrics
The General just gave me a medal oh I'm a sight for mom to see
The speaker has received a medal from a General, and he believes it will make his mom proud.
But when the news gets round that I ain't got ole Bill
Concerns arise that not having "ole Bill" (a dog, it seems) may negatively impact the speaker's reputation.
Some kids gonna think a whole lot less of me
Anticipates that some children may think less of the speaker for not having the mentioned dog.
You see she gave me that puppy and said he'd protect me through the night
The speaker's mom gave him a puppy named Bill, promising protection during the night.
And if I got hurt he'd go for help or he'd back me up in a fight
The dog was trained to fetch help or support the speaker in a fight if he got hurt.
He growed all the while I was trainin' forget him I never will
The dog grew while the speaker was training, and the speaker expresses a lasting attachment to the dog.
'Cause you'd never see me with right at my heels was Oklahoma Bill
The speaker emphasizes the constant presence of Oklahoma Bill right behind him.
We hit a long ridge one sunup and it seemed like death held all the cards
Describes a difficult situation on a ridge during battle where death seemed inevitable.
'Cause we payed and payed with lives of men for every hard fought yard
Highlights the high cost of lives paid for every hard-fought yard in battle.
When finally we drove up to the top there wasn't nothin' but death behind
After reaching the top, the landscape is filled with death, and the soldiers dig in to hold their ground.
And as we all dug in we all thanked God though we numbered only nine
Gratitude is expressed towards God for surviving the battle, though only nine soldiers remain.
And as the snipers switched their guns as darkness closed that hill
As darkness falls, snipers threaten, and the speaker's companion is Oklahoma Bill.
My soul companion in the night was Oklahoma Bill
Oklahoma Bill is referred to as the speaker's soul companion during the night.
There's no glory in a battle once you've seen its awful cost
Reflects on the lack of glory in battle once its terrible cost is witnessed.
But there's glory in the knowledge that your flag is never lost
Emphasizes the glory in knowing that the flag is never lost despite the hardships of war.
And yet in the stillness of the nightime and all alone you hold a post
In the stillness of the night, alone, the speaker holds a post, feeling the weight of the ghosts of fallen comrades.
You start cryin' like a baby sittin' there with all the ghosts
Expresses vulnerability and sorrow, crying like a baby in the company of the ghosts.
You feel your buddies are pattin' your back though their guns're silent and still
Feels the support of fallen buddies, even in silence, as if they are patting his back; revealed to be the dog, Oklahoma Bill.
It's only a dog tryin' to love you my Oklahoma Bill
Acknowledges that the comfort and love come from a dog, Oklahoma Bill.
I gave my note to the Colonel and I bound a shattered leg
The speaker informs the Colonel about a shattered leg and the challenging situation they face.
And I said Bill we're sure in trouble he never whimpered or begged
Despite the dire situation, Oklahoma Bill shows no signs of fear or weakness.
I could tell he hated to leave me I was the only God he ever knew
Expresses the dog's loyalty and reluctance to leave the speaker, who is like a god to him.
But quick as a flash he took of through the night like a fightin' marine would do
Quickly, Oklahoma Bill springs into action, running through the night to seek help, resembling a fighting marine.
I kept firin' till help finally came it was him though that saved that hill
The speaker keeps fighting until help arrives, crediting Oklahoma Bill for saving the hill.
A dyin' dog had got through the lines my Oklahoma Bill
Reveals that it was a dying dog, Oklahoma Bill, who successfully crossed enemy lines.
That little ol' kid will always wonder what happened to her dog
Reflects on a child wondering about her lost dog and suggests she'll learn the truth on Judgment Day.
But she'll find out on Judgement Day when she sees the big Skipper's log
Empty line, no specific meaning.
We'll all walk in and bugles'll blow and we'll stand our last revue
Anticipates a future event where soldiers will receive their heavenly rewards, including the speaker.
And men who've died for men on earth will get their heavenly dues
Anticipates the heavenly rewards for those who died for others on Earth.
And if all brave hearts are there that day I'll get my greatest thrill
The speaker expresses excitement at the prospect of hanging a medal around Oklahoma Bill's neck in the afterlife.
When I hang this medal around the neck of Oklahoma Bill
Concludes with the speaker's anticipation of hanging a medal around Oklahoma Bill's neck in the afterlife.
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