Reeves, Jim - Rodger Young Lyrics

Long live the Federation, the only goverment we need.

That sweet sound of that familiar beacon. "To the everlasting glory of the infantry." Sadly forgotten

"thirty-one seconds, Lieutenant. some music while you wait?"

The comment below was written by my mother, Judy Lackner.

I first heard this song in 1944 when I was a WAVE in Baltimore, with a brother in a submarine in the Pacific, and it brought tears to my eyes--and it has kept ringing in my head. For some reason I found myself humming it to myself today, but couldn't remember all the words, and was happy to hear this lovely rendition. Thank you.

I first heard this many years ago, I never realised it was actually a true story about a real person and for that I apologise. Typical Jim Reeves perfection, heart, soul and respect echo in the way in which he sings this song. Since I was a child, maybe 8yrs old I have loved to listen to this man, never get tired or bored but do sometimes get grief from my family about some of his songs but what do they know. Thank you for all your uploads, please don't tire of doing it..

Great singer lovely song about Roger young great Artist Jim thanks for posting God Bless Jimxx

i havent heard this one love it thanks for sharing it

Pictures show Young with sergeant's stripes. So, I guess he was either busted back to private, or resigned.

Pheck Phul
The Wikipedia on him explains that he had medical problems before his unit deployed to the area where he died in combat. He asked his chain of command to be made a private again because he wouldn't have been an effective squad leader. The medical exam he got before deploying showed he was almost 100% deaf. This is why you see him as a Sergeant in some photos, but why he died as Private Young.

He asked to be reduced in rank so a better man could lead his squad. His vision was poor and he was almost deaf. He didn't wish his infirmities to endanger his squad. His Wikipedia page explains his story very well. RIP Sgt Young.

So this is what "Starship Troopers" meant when they said the song played.

This is the America I grew up in. Even Hollywood
was patriotic back then. I am 83 and was a boy during WW2. I had never heard the song about About Buddy Young. Thanks for posting.

georg57 garvy you are very welcome sir

fallout 2 brought me here

Ironic that Reeves tells of the day Rodger Young died- July 31, the same day he himself would be killed in his airplane crash.

313curt wow, I never noticed that.

I remember during WW2 when this was a new ballad which made war a personal issue  for those of us not quite old enough to enlist or to be drafted.  The lists were published in the news paper of friends and family members killed in action in repote parts of the world we had never heard of before., until the telegrams came.  "We regret to inform you.................."

"Those of us...." What are you, 90?

I'm in my 70's, I remember hearing this over the PA system on Times Square NY by the miniature statue of liberty that was there for the bond drives. It was done in a country western style, the other song playing was "There's a star spangled banner waving somewhere". It was VE day, and it was like new being there on Years eve . The songs stuck in my memory all my life since I was 6. It wasn't until recently that I found his Division's Year book at a yard sale. I knew it was the Buck Eye Division and when I saw the dates 1941-1942 I grabbed it. I found his platoon picture, he was in the front row. The book was printed before they were deployed to the Pacific. Songs like this are shunned today. As far as I can tell, the last one of this type was Barry Sadler's "Green Beret", and that was about 50 years ago. Times have certainly changed.

I read "Starship Troopers" over 40 years ago, and I know the name Roger Young and know how much RAH respected him.  But until now I never heard the song and knew his full story.  I don't know why I'm weeping for a man who passed away over 70 years ago but I am.  Great scoring song, and video.  In another story RAH mentions another man dying to save humanity and says he doesn't stand alone, for with him is "Roger Young peering into the gloom".  For every person who makes the ultimate sacrifice, Roger Young stands with them.  Rest easy, soldier.  You won't be forgotten.

I grew up reading RAH and had to look up the story of Private Young after reading the short paragraph on him in Starship Troopers. What I found made me even more impressed with him. He was very nearly deaf when this occurred, as a matter of fact he was actually a Sergeant before reaching the Solomons. When he realized he was losing his hearing he asked his CO to demote him because he didn't want to be responsible for getting one of his men killed by not hearing a command. His CO thought that Young was trying to get out of combat duty and actually had him examined, not only was he losing his hearing but they wanted to send him to a field hospital. He refused not wanting to miss the landing. About a week later, the incident that earned him the MOH posthumously occurred. When they got pinned down, he crawled out of his position and when his lieutenant ordered him back to cover, replied "sorry sir, my hearings not so good you know." and kept going. A genuine hero in every sense of the word.

@Kevin Matsumoto
Beautiful, moving rendition by the great Jim Reeves; also listen to Nelson Eddy's magnificent version, where I first learned of Rodger Young.

I just listened to this because, since the last time I have read Starship Troopers, I have learned guitar, and am learning to play this. That is an amazing book. As a Classic, as a political commentary, and as a moving story of man and war.

Great song!

Daniel what a great job ty my good friend..Jim Reeves what else is there to say.Rest Well Mr Reeves

I agree with you Ernie... Thanks for stopping by my friend!! :)

Reeves...such a cool cat with a smooth voice!

yea, he was a cool cat for sure!! thanks for stopping by man... :)

That is the first time that I have heard that one. Thanks Daniel. You and the family have a great Weekend.

Glad you like it!! You and Sam have nice weekend too... :)

My first time to hear this wondrous song... thank you for posting impressive and remarkable video.

Thanks again for your support my friend!! :) I'm glad you like this one too...

Enjoyed this one very very much Daniel ! hugs to all ! :)

Thank you dear Ginny!! Hugs and love from all of us... :) You have a good weekend and try not to wear yourself down my friend!

Loved this one Daniel I  have not heard this great Jim Reeves song in years great song my friend I  loved it Daniel great my friend thank you from Phil .

Thank you Phil my friend... :)

You just can't beat Jim Reeves singing ...what an artist he was ..thank you for the share Daniel

Thank you Jack... I agree with you... Jim was a one of a kind voice... It's funny because, his friends say that he always doubted his own voice and his own singing... 

Always such a pleasure to see your uploads Daniel. A fine and touching song my friend...sung of course, so perfectly by this great man...Ali :)

Thank you very much Ali!! I always appreciate your comments!! :)

Yes it is man!! Thanks for stopping by buddy! 

no... I used to a long time ago but, I don't have time anymore...