"If I Die Before You Wake"

I received an email with the song, "If I Die Before You Wake," from Augusta County resident Mike Winfield whose nephew, Lance Cpl. Jason Redifer, was killed in Iraq January 31, 2005, at the age of 19. I don't know the writer or who sings it but it's accompanied with only an accoustic guitar and is a plaintive, heartfelt song. The simplicity of the music and the words touched me.

We've lost three young men from Augusta County, all Marines, all Lance Corporals, all 19 years of age, and all three outgoing and active in the community and sorely missed by family and friends.

Here is "If I Die Before You Wake" dedicated to Lance Cpl. Jason Redifer killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom on January 31, 2005, Lance Cpl. Daniel Bubb killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom on October 17, 2005, and Lance Cpl. Daniel Morris killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom on February 14, 2007.

If I Die Before You Wake

Back home now I know you're probably sleeping
Over here it's the middle of the day,
I finally found some time to write a letter
Sitting here a half a world away.

I heard about all them folks protesting
As if I really want this war,
But that don't stop me from believing
There's just some things worth fighting for.

And if I die before you wake
I pray the world will take
A good look at what God's given us,
If we could only understand everything is in his hands,
All we need is a little faith and trust,
I want you know it's ain't too high a price to pay ...
If I die before you wake.

Tell everybody that I miss them
And I can't wait to get back home,
Until then I'll serve my country
And be proud to wear this uniform.

And if I die before you wake
I pray the world will take
A good look at what God's given us,
If we could only understand everything is in his hands,
All we need is a little faith and trust,
I want you to know it ain't too high a price to pay ...
If I die before you wake.

No, it ain't too high a price to pay ... if I die before you wake.