A SOLDIER'S SHOES
Kevin O'Neil (Music & Lyrics), Jimmy Pallitto (Lead Vocals)


He packed a suitcase, it's the first time he would fly
He wore his bravest face as he wiped his mother's eye
He laced up his soldier's shoes and he headed for the sky
My boy, John


It was late in June when he left South Central High
We almost saw the summer through, maybe two or three days shy
If I knew he left for Heaven, I'd have extended our goodbye


The petals fall down from the hyacinth in the spring
Long before they feel the warm air summer brings
The journey starts the day that the child leaves the womb
Whichever path you take all roads will lead you home


They brought him stateside, they said John, he did us proud
The flag he died for, now he wore her like a shroud
If all my tears could travel skyward, they would surely fill the clouds


The petals fall down from the hyacinth in spring
Long before they feel the warm air summer brings
The journey starts the day that the child leaves the womb
Whichever path you take all roads will lead you home

He laced up his soldier's shoes and he headed for the sky

© Copyright 2009

Music & Lyrics by Kevin O'Neil
Produced by Steve O'Neil
Guitar & Keyboards - Kevin O'Neil
Vocals & Harmonica - Jim Pallitto
Mandolin - Steve O'Neil


*Re-mixed & Mastered @ Purple Pig Sound




" A Soldier's Shoes" awarded Honorable Mention 2010

Billboard's 17th Annual World Song Contest

" This honor demonstrates the talent and dedication it takes to write a hit song"
(Jim Halsey, President Billboard)