About the song
“A Soldier’s King” is a song by Kenny Rogers, but it wasn’t one of his biggest hits. It appeared on his 1994 Christmas album, “The Gift.”
Background
The song was written by Kenny Ray Horton and John Jarvis. There’s not a lot of information available about the specific inspiration, but it explores the themes of war and faith through the lens of a weary soldier.
Themes
- The Cost of War: The lyrics mention the soldier’s memories of battles and the weight he carries from them.
- Finding Faith: Despite the hardship, the soldier feels drawn to a higher purpose, symbolized by the star leading him to the manger.
- Universality of Faith: The song suggests that faith can be found by anyone, regardless of their station in life, even a forgotten soldier.
Lyrics
The song follows a veteran soldier, seemingly unnoticed and ragged, on a cold night in Bethlehem. He carries the weight of past wars and the medals for his bravery. Yet, something compels him to search for a manger in the dark, guided by a single star.
The chorus speaks to the idea that some are destined for greatness while others are forgotten. But all have the chance to know and find solace in faith, which is embodied by the newborn king.
In the end, the soldier stands before the baby Jesus, who offers a smile, a moment of peace for the weary warrior.
Video
Lyrics
None seemed to notice the man beside the road
He was just a raged soldier out there in the cold
But he seemed to have a purpose only known to him
As he walked along the streets that night through the town of Bethlahem.
In his head he held a memory of all the wars he’d known
In his hand he clutched a medal for the bravery he’d shown
And the weight of every battle he caried in his heart
But his eyes were clear and searching for a manger in the dark.
Some are born to greatness, some are born to fall
Some are bound to be forgotten like they never lived at all
But we’re all born to know Him and stand befor His light
Like the soldier who found his king tonight.
He had marched for politicians, served under their command
And he fought for all the causes that he did not understand
But it was something deep inside him now that led him on his way
With a single star to guide him to were the baby lay.
Some are born to greatness, some are born to fall
Some are bound to be forgotten like they never lived at all
But we’re all born to know Him and stand befor His light
Like the soldier who found his king tonight.
He stood before the Son of God, come to pay our debt
He smiled up at the soldier that the world would soon forget
So he held out his medal and said this for you I bring
There he swore aligiance to the newborn baby King.
Some are born to greatness, some are born to fall
Some are bound to be forgotten like they never lived at all
But we’re all born to know Him and stand befor His light
Like the soldier who found his king tonight…