Colorado singer-songwriter Tyller Gummersall’s new song is a tribute to the eternal bond between service members.
When we last checked in with Colorado throwback country singer Tyller Gummersall, he shared “Fathers and Sons,” a touching song about the importance of the father-son relationship, just in time for Father’s Day. A year later, he’s back with another song about another crucial bond—and on the occasion of another commemorative national holiday, Memorial Day.
“How Did I Get Here” is about the friendship between two soldiers and how one of them honors the other when only one makes it home from battle. As with “Fathers and Sons,” Gummersall collaborated with hit songwriter and 650 AM WSM broadcaster Devon O’Day, along with another esteemed tunesmith, Jim Lauderdale.
“It was such an honor to collaborate with Jim and Devon, two writers who have written hit songs for my hero George Strait and many other incredible artists,” Gummersall writes in an email. “This song is very special on a few levels. It all started when Jim invited me backstage at the Opry on a night he was playing that legendary venue. Devon was there that night as well (she also hosts ‘Nashville Today’ on WSM Opry Radio). Standing in the wings watching some of the other performers that night Devon remarked, ‘How did I get here?’ to Jim. Jim then replied, ‘Let’s write that!’ and a song idea was born! The next day we all met at the legendary WSM Radio Station to write before Devon hosted her show.
“She arrived to the session with an idea that ‘wouldn’t let her go’: a soldier who made it home without his best friend and who then had the bittersweet honor of walking that man’s daughter down the aisle.
“I hope we were able to tell someone’s story of sacrifice and illustrate the sacred bond between the men and women of our armed forces, whether they come home or not.”
Give the song a listen below.
https://soundcloud.com/tyllermusic/howdidigethere
For more on Tyller Gummersall, visit his website. Photography: Jenny Gummersall.
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