Greg Allen/Invision/AP

Hootie & the Blowfish Honor Military Families With 'Won't Be Home For Christmas'

Just days before Veterans Day, Hootie & The Blowfish share a Christmas song that honors military members and their families. "Won't Be Home for Christmas" features Abigail Hodges, the daughter of musician and producer David Hodges, and centers on a father and daughter separated for the holiday season.

"We feel very fortunate to have the freedom to enjoy the holidays with our families, however we know that isn't the case for everyone," guitarist Mark Bryan said in a statement. "Whether they're deployed overseas or stationed far away from their families, this can be a tough time for military members. We wanted to really pay tribute to that sacrifice and thank these men and women for everything they do to keep us safe."

Read More: Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker Cover Brooks & Dunn's 'Neon Moon'on the Opry

Hootie and the Blowfish released their most recent album Imperfect Circle in 2019. Lead singer Darius Rucker will co-host the 2020 CMA Awards with Reba McEntire.

'Won't Be Home for Christmas' Lyrics:

Dear Santa Claus
I write to you because
I don't want toys this year
I just want my daddy here
He's gone to fight in the war
He's a sargeant in the corps
My mommy says he makes
the world a safer place

But I'm scared for him now
'cause he's not coming home for Christmas
We will talk on the phone
But he won't be home for Christmas

Season's greetings flow
Across the radio
Dear family
Hang in there for me
It's hard to rest at ease
this Christmas overseas
Artificial green and red, the blood we've seen
We have God on our side
But we won't be home for Christmas
When the fighting subsides
All the angels will sing

Sha-lalala
sha-lalala
Til then, tie a yellow ribbon round the ol' Christmas tree
'Cause I'm not coming home
No I won't be home for Christmas

I pray your angels around those who won't be home for Christmas
and everybody will sing for the birth of the King

Sha-lalala
sha-lalala
And if it's this time next year
and we're still here
let an angel appear
where the dust never clears
'Cause I'm not coming home
Oh, I want to go home

Sha-lalala
sha-lalala
Til then, tie a yellow ribbon round the ol' Christmas tree
'Cause I'm not coming home
No I won't be home for Christmas

 

Now Watch: 8 Things You Didn't Know About Kris Kristofferson