Straight ahead traditional country ballad

» highest in charts:   # 211   (46,914 songs currently listed in Country)
» highest in sub-genre:   # 26   (3,720 songs currently listed in Country > Traditional Country)

I wrote this song in February of 2000 after watching a story on 20/20 with Barbara Walters. It was about a little girl in Flint, MI by the name of Kayla Rolland. She was 6 years old and was the victim of a school shooting by another 6 year old black boy. He brought a gun to school that he found in his home and they had a falling out on the playground and he shot her in the head at point blank range.
Needless to say it was a touching story and I wept for her and her parents. I had the melody idea and the title for this song already in my head and this was the catalyst that allowed me to finish the song.
I originally tried to get the song played on the radio while I was in Nashville but its hard to get anything done unless you're on a label or have a good manager so I gave up on that for awhile and started playing the song live. The response was awesome and I would like to use it to help raise money someday for families that have been victims of school shootings or domestic violence.
I sent a copy of the song to Kayla's parents and they loved it. That made it all worthwhile and showed me how powerful and life changing music really can be. I hope I never have to live this song and I hope you enjoy listening.

Verse 1

You don’t live here anymore
You’ve been gone for quite awhile
I miss the way you used to laugh
And I miss the way you used to smile

I know that you had to leave
To find your place out in this world
But you know deep down in my heart
You’ll always be my little girl

Chorus

So come on back, come back to me
Cause I just cant stand the pain
Here in my heart you’ll always be
But life without you just ain’t the same
So just remember I’ll be here
If you ever long to roam
You’ll have a place here in my arms
If You Ever Come Back Home

Verse 2

I wish your Mom could see you now
Cause I can see you in her eyes
But I know you’re somewhere smilin’ down
When I look at rainbows in the sky

Repeat Chorus


Tag

You’ll have a place here in my arms
If You Ever Come Back Home

Copyright 2002 Greg Austin