If we were to give an award for the most passionate delivery during our time in Nashville, then it would surely get presented to Brooks Herring. #TEAMw21 caught the tail end of him performing at a Songwriter's round where he unveiled this track. He was already a fairly imposing figure with his mohawk hairstyle, playing in his vest, displaying his heavily tattooed arms. His introduction that night clearly conveyed how strongly he felt about this song. That night we only heard it in an acoustic version - the single has a full in your face band on it as well as additional vocals from Kaitlyn Croker. The emblem, what it stands for and Brook's undoubted respect for all those that have died defending or are suffering the scars from defending it, all go into making this powerful three minutes.
It is a blast of drums, electric guitar riffing and banjo that set the scene for Brooks to open his vocals
"There's plenty of things in life that can bring you to your knees
Forinstance just making it home after a year fighting overseas
Part of growing up is learning to stand up on your feet
When you die they'll lay you down - Watch what you do with the inbetween"
The chorus is not so much played as unleashed
"When the flag is raised and that music plays
Oh say I better see you rise - I stand!"
Brooks is a navy veteran, and for the second verse he is joined by the songs co-writer Kaitlyn Croker who is equally passionate in her delivery. It really identifies where he is coming from and it is more complex than you might imagine.
"I don't have to like what you say
But I'll die to defend your right
Soldiers they don't care who you voted for last time
So show some respect when Old Glory waves
When you hear that sacred tune
I seen an old man stand and salute from a wheelchair
And damn it you can too"
There's a scorching heavy metal style guitar solo that all but squeals its delight.
In a brief respite from the power of the onslaught, things quieten for just a few moments, the drums briefly echo a military band style.
"So proudly we stand, cos divided we fall
And the dawn's early light
She'll raise for us all"
His pride shines through on this recording and Brooks doesn't just sing about this stuff - he actively works as a Physical Therapist, and devotes much of his time to advocating for Veterans recovering from combat trauma.