Cody Johnson Records A Staple Of His Live Shows, His Cover Of “Travelin’ Soldier”
Three years ago, Cody Johnson released a video of his acoustic cover of “Travelin’ Soldier.”
Since then, it has also gone on to accrue a staggering 58 million views on YouTube.
“The fans responded so enthusiastically and began requesting it during our live shows, so it’s remained on the set list,” wrote Cody Johnson of the song. “I knew at some point, when the time felt right, we needed to record it in the studio. And that time is now, COJO Nation!”
Watch Cody speak on why the release of his version of the song is important to him, here:
On Friday, November 7, Cody released his newly recorded version of “Travelin’ Soldier.”
RELATED: Cody Johnson’s Acoustic Cover Of “Travelin’ Soldier” Cover Has Over 58 Million Views
Cody Johnson’s New Version Of The Song
Originally written and recorded by country artist Bruce Robison in 1996, and popularized by The Dixie Chicks in 2001 and 2002, “Travelin’ Soldier” is a song that tells a story.
Using vivid language, the song tells a familiar story in a subtle way. Following a young man who turned 18 and was drafted to leave for service in the Vietnam War, he asks a young waitress if she’d spend some time with him before he leaves for deployment.
Described throughout the song as “a pretty little girl with a bow in her hair,” the waitress agrees, and they form a powerful bond as they sit out on a pier after her shift.
There, he asks if he could write to her while he’s overseas, and she agrees. While he’s away, their love for one another begins to blossom… but the song ends in tragedy, as she hears his name listed in the local dead.
While the song tells a big story, Cody said that the song has taken on a life of its own amongst his fans, writing, “I had no idea that it was going to give me the opportunity to hear, see, and bring words to y’all’s stories.”
Listen to Cody Johnson’s powerful newly recorded version of “Travelin’ Soldier,” here:
Stream it on Spotify, here:
Other Versions Of The Song
Prior to releasing their version of “Travelin’ Soldier” on their album 2002 album Home, The Dixie Chicks (presently known as The Chicks) performed the song at the Country Music Association Awards in November of 2001.
Notably, The Dixie Chicks member Emily Strayer was married to Charlie Robison, brother to Bruce Robison, at the time of this performance and recording.
Watch The Dixie Chicks perform “Travelin’ Soldier” at the 2001 CMA Awards, here:
Check out Bruce Robison’s 1999 version of “Travelin’ Soldier,” here:
