John Anderson - I Wish I Could Have Been There

[@Ret64clutch]

Our daughter was born while I was running convoys in Iraq Now I'm retired from the army but still pushing trucks down the road. still missing life. I love my wife & family so much I do what I do for them.

[@TheJBELL02]

Thank you for your service 🇺🇲

[@hangin1]

Thank you for your service!

[@markgillen6634]

I saw my baby born on a computer screen. She came tumbling out of the womb with one hand on the umbilical cord. 😂 Like she was repelling! Or just maintaining contact with the other side 😅😅😊 one proud cav scout daddy

[@TheJBELL02]

Congratulations and thank you for your service 🇺🇲

[@lambertearnhardt68]

I was a Railroader for 23 years. Got 2 kids and this on always gets me. GOD bless all parents who make a living by traveling. 🙏❤️

[@codybridgeman3434]

Railroader here. Been on the road for 20 years. It hurts when we think about it. But they have what they need.

[@mrgreenjeans]

Lucky guy

[@beth-zj3kx]

my boyfriend works on the road he missed alot of his kids growing up (not mine) him and I are ld right and he hates he's missed two important date with my daughter and I

[@laegers]

Thank you John for all you have done for country music. Your music will live on forever.

[@DanSelby-zg5jx]

My wife passed away October 28th 2021. I took care of her 24/7 for over 4 years. I truly wish I could have been there more for her. I did everything I could but I still feel it wasn't enough. 😢 I wish I could have been there for that

[@InTheDogHouse3DPrinting]

I missed the birth of my son, and him growing up. I was a truck driver of 39 years, and I missed a lot of his childhood. It hurts knowing I was always away, and never got to see him grow into the man he is today.

[@gregring525]

I can't listen to this without tearing up. 3 kids and a wife at home while I spent their growing up days trucking to provide. Really hits home.

[@pattyburge655]

My husband was a boat captain on the river barges. Both trucking and riverboat life are lonely, for both the spouse out there for days on end and too few days home, as well as the spouse home holding down the family. It's those sacrifices made so everyone can have the best life possible. Kudos to both you and your wife. Job well done! 🙏

[@tonywestvirginia]

Same here. always at work. Seems I watched them grow up in pictures.

[@AdaKilgore]

Greg, you were committed and dedicated to your family. That makes you a proud winner. 😊

[@michealsloan2309]

Same here.

[@homersipes]

It never gets easier man. 12 years in the oilfield i watched my daughter go from little girl to young woman in pictures. Always second guessing all of my choices on whether i did the right thing. I recently asked my daughter and she told me she never really knew i was gone but knew when i was home i was HOME and had her undivided attention and i was the best daddy in the world. Keep it up brother, much respect for making sure the family is taken care of

[@DanSelby-zg5jx]

As my wife laid there dying there wasn't anything I could do. I did the best I could do for her. She passed away at home at least she wasn't alone. I saw her take her last breath. My heart is totally shattered 💔. I wish I could have been there more for her. She was and still is the love of my life. I have loved and lost in my life but never like this. I wish I could have been there for her

[@Mike-xh1on]

I know exactly how you feel. lost my wife of 48 years, in July 2023. I was with her when she died It is so, so hard not having her with me. For those of you who still have your spouse, try , somehow to be with them more. In the end, you will be glad you did.

[@TheJBELL02]

Sorry for your loss my friend

[@TheJBELL02]

​@Mike-xh1on Sorry for your loss my friend 🧡

[@user-bf7ox1mr1d]

Sorry for your loss

[@CountryCox]

@@Mike-xh1on sorry for your loss my friend. Keep your head up.

[@malcolmwhitecow7177]

Working in the oil patch in northern Alberta Canada. Been gone for half my kids lives. My oldest is graduating this year. Missed so much. But I’m happy I could give what I didn’t have as a child.

[@patrickflohe7427]

I hear that.

[@DC-sb9nq]

I fully understand my brother,u wanna give em a better life ,but dammit it's hard raising em over the phone and see them doing great things ,but we gotta be making that money for em... respect dad

[@denisecurry7472]

I respect you for working it's hard but you did good for yourself and kids not many people now days think that they have to work.

[@noahmccrary7502]

Thank you

[@mattanderson861]

Malcolm, you’re a great representation of a Father. Working hard, providing for your family, making sacrifices, setting a good example. Go easy on yourself. Well done, Pal 👍

[@Mphx321]

That's something to be proud of brother. They know daddy loves them.

[@bradleyfields9551]

Amen brother

[@ConagherJohnston-ef9wz]

I drove a truck for 44 years this song hits close to home

[@beckywiegers3315]

Dads are unsung heroes. They do what needs doing to provide for their families, sometimes at enormous personal cost. To those dads: you are appreciated and loved, never doubt it.

[@janettrawick7016]

Saw your performance July 28 2023. Great show!

[@charitybss]

I played this song at my late husband's funeral. His birthday would have been 61 years old. He's been gone for 15 years. Our girls are now 22 and 15 years old. When I hear this song I think of all that could have been. Yes I made mistakes but I never regret our girls or the life we had. I miss you everyday when I look at our girls.

[@realshanegray]

This having just 307 thousand views is one of the greatest mysteries of the universe. How does it not have 307 million? This is one of the most underrated songs of all time, in any genre. And if you can listen to this and not cry, something is wrong with you. I don't even have kids and it tears me up.

[@kyzz96]

Yes totally agree!! ✌💯

[@shawnduncan5779]

You got that right

[@travismartin311]

Absolutely!!

[@tonywestvirginia]

Story of my life.

[@royreynolds1535]

His voice alone makes it great

[@toddjoubert1074]

I tell you what this is what you call a Country Music Voice should of gotten more recognition

[@AmesGaltine]

Oh this song played a lot in 1994 on country radio in Houston! 90s country forever, so many great songs.

[@marcyblkmtn1911]

My daughter ..20 now. ...seen her dad(since 2013)...in Walmart...toy section...she cried....oh my heart....he missed out on her... life

[@bobbystickler9898]

I wish I could give back to John Anderson the happiness he has given us all with his talent. Thank you, sir, for your dedication to your family and fans.

[@shanenobody9079]

John has a special place in every truckers heart .. 🖤 y'all be safe out there 🖤

[@calvintownley9089]

I think of my son he's with god now but I missed so much of his life it brakes my heart to think about him passing away the way he did but I know he knows I love him and he knows I loved him as well god help us god help us all

[@billwarganich1875]

One of my favorites. Faith in God and family . He wrote this song . You have to live life to write a song like this . A true work of art. My wife and I saw Him in Dollywood. John Anderson is a country music icon.

[@RobertCrabb-hm9xw]

There's no way that people couldn't relate to that great song. It's one of many that has this ol country boy remembering of those sad missed times that will tug at your heart. I wish I could have been there!!

[@Rick123691]

One of the BEST songs EVER ! ❤️🇺🇸 Thank you John !

[@candilangehennig2332]

This songs reminds me of just how much of my girls life I missed ..I worked 2 fulltime jobs to raise them. I missed so much.

[@stephenhuber1219]

One of the greatest and most powerful songs in country music.

[@RobertJ890]

ROLL ON my fellow truck drivers

[@jimmycannon8057]

26 years in trucking and I missed everything. I don't regret providing for my family but I do regret not being there when they needed me. I know my kids resent me for being gone and honestly I don't think they care for me to much. I just hope that they understand why I was gone and I hope that they know that I love them.

[@jenningsmills5398]

@@jimmycannon8057 I'm 25yrs in and sometimes wonder the same thing. I've determined that my love for them isn't dependent on their love for me. Keep em wheels down driver and be safe.

[@jimmycannon8057]

@jennings Mills well said driver. Be safe out there 🙏

[@keith1617]

I can't believe just how underrated you are among Classic country greats. Your artistic voice licks are as good as any in music.

[@Glitchfaction]

Yea one of the most popular country stars in history? How is that “underrated?”

[@bobby9192]

He’s not underrated at all. He’s a legend and recognized as sych

[@keith1617]

@@bobby9192 you're not even a country music fan. When mentioning country music greats, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, George Strait, George Jones etc...John Anderson will never make the cut. My very point, enfluencer is that John Anderson's artistic voice licks, and song writing are as good as any of the iconic greats.

[@bobby9192]

@@keith1617 how the hell are you saying I’m not a country music fan because I said he is recognized as a legend. You’re the one saying he’s not in the same conversation as hank and haggard not me pussy

[@keith1617]

@Johnanderson. Just came home to count the memories is all.

[@prolificaglobe9472]

I remember. What a hit. God dang. Oh those 90s. So heart felt.

[@merrittorius]

John Anderson is one of the absolute greats. This song is so real. Ty John

[@drumminsonlive9199]

John Anderson you are the real deal and this old man loves you like a brother…

[@rickyfeathers829]

Great song I will always be a John Anderson fan

[@jaimiejin7992]

What a beautiful and sweet song. The good ole' times, when people prioritized family more than they do nowadays.

[@351wpny]

Today someone I love deeply graduates HS. I wanted to be there but wasn’t allowed because of her father. I’m up in my feelings right now. Congratulations from way over here Makenzie Carter. Class of 2024. Wish I could’ve been that for that.😢

[@sammonteleone4609]

when randy travis , alan jackson , clint black and a few others became popular john was lost in the shuffle, but the true country artists all know the the great talent this man is.

[@gmandersonjr]

Tom T Hall

[@Birdbussa]

Very unique talent

[@txmetalhead82xk]

Absolutely true

[@bigjoe2323]

Him and mark chestnut are the two most forgotten artist from the era I think👍

[@rickniemeyer6935]

TruDat…JA so much better and more overlooked than those guys you mention. Tremendous talent and Songwriter. 😊

[@throwingsparks]

Don't lose sight of what is truly important in your life!

Well spoken

[@andy6043]

How many Service members/Veterans can relate to this song ? I missed most of my kids lives and it sucks big time !

[@patrickflohe7427]

Absolutely!

[@denisecurry7472]

You might have missed alot of years of them growing up but you still have a lot of good years ahead

[@gmandersonjr]

You made it home...1st Cav Ft. Hood Airborne medic.

[@steveutleyjr4756]

I want to personally thank you for this song. It was a constant companion as I worked for +20 years chasing the dollar. My kids are grown now. Shoot my baby will be 30 in January. They all say they understand why I had to be gone so much. I still wish I could've been there for that. Thanks John!

[@jonbradley2920]

Sitting here listening to this as my daughter graduates college. I'm hours away running a job. I missed most of her life working in the construction industry. Just glad I could provide for her and let her walk out of college debt free and a Brand new car to start her life.

[@FJ80Coop]

One of my faves that struck so close to home many decades ago...

[@rodneywilkerson9854]

I was a telephone contractor for 28 years and on the road. I been in almost all the states. My kids and grandchildren hardly know me.

[@horsegirl8838]

My dad used to sing this to me and I cried every time because this explains my life exactly and I just wish I was a little girl again

[@gerrymabry1630]

Brings back memories of when I was out of the country serving our country. Thank God for an awesome mother covering the home front! I tear up thinking the times that I missed but my boys grew into great men because of the greatest woman in the world gave them nurturing love. BLESSED

[@gmandersonjr]

Combat Medic 91A1 vet here & mil brat in Ethiopia.

[@myjeepwjarebuildpaulsteven7986]

Roger That 🇺🇸

[@jerryatkinson57]

I heard this when I was a kid . My dad was a otr driver and it meant a lot . Now I'm a union. Ironworker and I'm gone months at a time. Seems the apple doesn't fall far.

[@gmandersonjr]

Me and my dad were both army guys. He taught every thing I knew and it saved my ass many times.

[@jenningsmills5398]

"Cats in the cradle"

[@timgutierrez2211]

There are no words to describe how this song makes me feel. John Anderson songs are msgnetic.

[@jimmysilcox5319]

As a truck driver this song always hit me in the stomach. I remember thinking of my dad who was a truckers also when I would hear this song then it really hit me when I started missing all the things with my kids a dad should never miss.. I'm just greatful my kids understand I never missed anything because I wanted too.. It was love that made me miss alot.. daddy might not be home for Christmas but daddy's sacrifice is reason why we have Christmas.. 😢😢

[@johnglover5071]

I worked on the road for over 20 years. This song was a biography. Great stuff! Thank you John.

[@davidday8417]

What a beautiful song by 1 of the most talented musicians in country so glad I got to see him perform live in Savannah Georgia !! Thank you John been a fan since Swinging !!

[@CarlCJBauer]

Best Country Music Star Florida has ever produced! One of a kind.

[@honestj820]

Hello how are you doing…..?

[@davidday8417]

I’m surprised that I didn’t hear this song sooner,I have listened to it around 15 times now I love it !! Truly one of the best song writers ever IMO I saw him in 1992 in Savannah Georgia Seminole Wind tour what a fantastic performance by John !! Tremendous talent and a great voice for country music !!

[@angelajohnson7304]

I love everything he did

[@savvydirtfarmer]

2024 and still one of my all time favorite songs.

[@shonepolk9112]

Song makes me sad, missed so much of my sons life growing up, staying deployed constantly, finally got tired of missing and retired last year, promised my son I wouldn’t miss another moment that was important again as long as I’m breathing

[@jopete681]

This hits home to me as a truck drive but sacrifice is a double edge sword. The this we will do to take care of our family’s !

[@JohnS-ep7du]

Couldn't agree more Jo. I work so much I didn't get to see my kids much before me and their mom split. But in today's world there's no other way to keep up with the cost. I see them less now and work more. A father's sacrifice often goes unnoticed but it's the hardest to love with. I commend you sir, as well as there other father's doing the same so those we love can have better lives. God bless.

[@bryonmartin1874]

Coming from a child of a truck driver, I don't even know my own father. Yes the cool shoes were good. Yes I had food in my belly, but I have zero memories of my dad. To me, he's just some guy I talk to every now and then. If it were up to me, I'd rather ha e my dad than cool shoes.

[@jopete681]

@@bryonmartin1874 I don’t guess you tried very hard and having a relationship with him, In my family with three generations we never had that problem and yeah we did have nice work boots

[@shadowstormtk]

@@jopete681 why should he have to try, he's the kid?

[@B1gHagar]

I'm trucker with no family to speak of. Honestly, I couldn't do this job as a family man. I don't know how some of these guys pull a 70 and keep a wife and kids.

[@michaelbier6221]

This music is as real as it gets...one of the best is John Anderson!!!

[@myjeepwjarebuildpaulsteven7986]

All American 🇺🇸

[@betsysmithreinhard474]

This song rings true for me in so many ways. John does indeed write the soundtrack of our lives!

[@patrickflohe7427]

You’ve got that right!

[@troydixson8097]

U got it

[@bobbystrickland9996]

I can feel the pain of being away from my kids slot . I was always on the road working 10 &12 hrs a day week after week missing my kids more now. John Anderson made me stop and think now I'm 65 still working 10 &12 hrs 7 days a week and can't get it back so I 🙏 pray thanking God for my time I have now🙏

[@Wheelchairspeeder]

This makes me think of the cats in the cradle song only sweeter and with an old man that cares and the kids aren't psychologically scathed for life and the dad is in regret..this is sweet cause atleast the folks know their kids atleast called them out of thoughtfulness and not asking for crap..pretty song 😊

[@ricksoutdooradventures8490]

One of my favorite country songs of all time.

[@ralphe2839]

Wow. What a singer. A legend. Now look at we got. Not even country.

[@patrickflohe7427]

The shit we got now can’t even be called country, it’s just garbage.

[@rodneysmallwood3780]

I bust my ass every day I hope my kids know how much I love them. They are my whole world. My mom passed Feb 2022 and my world got flipped upside down. Love you MOM

[@pattyrice2683]

Haven't heard this song in a long time this is old but good one

[@JohnnyEla]

Never understood this song until I got older, always knew the words but not the meaning, gotta love country music when it tells the story like it is.

[@raymondlewis2055]

So true, we feel work sometimes is more important than what happens with our families!

[@kimwaddell4218]

I bet my dad said the same thing. I Wish I Could Of Been There. As a kid my dad hardly seen my 3 sisters and brother because he was truckdriver. He died when I was 7 years old

[@chelsootro7205]

And this song legit makes me kinda happy , kinda sad. The good memories and the bad. All I've lost and all I've had. Accepting , forgiving and making peace

[@rickieryates7672]

Hello Mr. Andersen, I pray everything is going well with you sir. Your music always puts me in the best spirits. Lots of love to you and your family

[@GSmitty87]

I saw him last week in Liberty, N.C. and it was great. He had been bass fishing and doing good

[@albertperkins9990]

@Wade Hayes my favorite , he's the best, I'm a Florida cracker , he lives not too far from me !!!

[@melvinsmiley5295]

This song reminded me of home when I was away in the Service. Thank you John for the gift you shared with us all

[@waterboy239]

Thank you for your service

[@gordyhamilton137]

Nineties country music are the best

[@BrianKorth-nu7gw]

I was an alcoholic most of the time my 3 children were growing up. I still was around and supportive for most of the time although I’m haunted by the quality time I missed in their lives while I selfishly was consumed by my addiction. 8+ years of sobriety now and damaged relationships repaired, I will always judge myself harsher than any other person. It’s easy to say forgive yourself.

[@jenniejenkins6034]

I love his voice.

[@truckjunkie01]

Trucking through my my first marriage and first born after growing up with a dad that trucked over the road this hits home ❤️

[@SandraBailey-c1s]

One of the best songs ever.john,Anderson is the shit.

[@Marley_5895]

Years ago when the CD player in my car still worked, it was usually John Anderson I was listening to. This song in particular still tugs at my heart strings thinking about the many sacrifices made by ordinary people just making a living.

[@l0vebitezzz]

my dad wasn’t in my life most of my life and now i’m hardcore sobbing

[@sammonteleone4609]

People out there listen to me, John is telling you the truth , dont wish you could have been there, but BE THERE . dont regret something you could of had.

[@ravialexander5639]

John Anderson great country highly underrate.

[@trevorgwelch7412]

Shear Songwriting Genius Of JOHN ANDERSON . 🇺🇸🏅🏆🎸🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼✨

[@jerrykinnin7941]

Classic trucking music right here.

[@effiemcfarland6735]

Love Listening To John Anderson

[@KrisConwayy]

My husband drives a tour bus for entertainers. He’s missed everything except my scheduled C-section with out second. As soon as I got the clear @ 6 weeks, he was on the road again 🥹

[@ethanjones7907]

I'm over the road I have a 6 year old daughter and a 7 year old son I'm so glad I showed up in their life i miss a lot of birthdays and holidays with my wife and kids and i get emotional a lot because i wish i could be there on those kind of days but I wanted to give our kids what I didn't have as a kid

[@JoshNormandy]

Little Bobby hit his first home run He was the hero of the home town crowd Two to one, it was a winning run Everybody was cheering loud And momma she was smilin' saying he's a chip off of the old block But I was on the road somewhere between Memphis and Little Rock

[@jerrykinnin7941]

A great Trucker song.

[@watup110875]

@@jerrykinnin7941 don"t need to be a trucker to understand that

[@bellx7984]

One of the best songs my momma ever got me hooked on!!! Love you momma!!

[@bigtony2499]

Every hard working father has felt this song at some point in his life. God bless you all.

[@lukesouthworth9310]

This song will never die

[@jonathanwhite6881]

Between the Navy and the fire department, I feel like I have missed a lot of my kids growing up. This song reminds me how much I've missed for a dollar.

[@markgillen6634]

My daughter was born while I was in Iraq. My parents were married 25 years before my dad died

[@martinsegura6462]

This song reminds me of all the moments I missed out on my child's life 😔

[@aaron-dd5zr]

To busy chasing problems away by just staying busy, do not fix them. Be forgiving, and do it sooner, not matter who is at fault. Humble yourself, go make peace. Start living. Life is short

[@carterbishop2935]

greatest country voice of all time! Great song writer too.

[@maryann9538]

Waking up this morning enjoying your music

[@zackhudson]

Hello 👋 Mary. How are you doing? Hope you are fine. I'm Zack Hudson and am from Denver Colorado. Where are you from? You seem like a real country girl

[@serjonedarylcamilo8711]

When our baby Kate was born, it was the biggest day of my life, lyin' there, little bows in her hair, in the lovin' arms of my wife * I was the proudest papa in the U.S.A., makin' a living on the road somewhere a thousand miles away * It was a happy day, but kinda sad * I wish I could've been there, I wish I could've been there * I wish I could've been there for that * Little Bobby hit his first homerun; he was the hero of the hometown crowd * Two to one, it was the winning run; everybody was cheerin' loud * Mama, she was smilin' and sayin' he's a chip off of the old block * But I was on the road somewhere between Memphis and Little Rock * It was a happy day, but kinda sad * I wish I could've been there * I wish I could've been there for that * Now Bobby and Kate are all grown up and moved away; * They stay in touch, we're proud of the good kids that we raised * It's hard to believe we're celebratin' our 25th year today; * This party's nice, but the kids aren't here; at least they called to say: * "Congratulations, Mom and Dad" * Wish we could've been there; wish we could've been there * I wish we could've been there for that * It was a happy day, but kinda sad, * I wish they could've been there; I wish they could've been there * I wish they could've been there for that.

[@debralfleming8346]

I loved his music when I was 16 he was My heart throb . He has a wonderful voice . I like just a spinning.

[@debralfleming8346]

@MarcosBryant-gk1jv his voice and great looks

[@debralfleming8346]

That was Just a Swinging , not spinning was my favorite song

[@HauntingHollowschannel]

Love you Mr. John Anderson. Been a fan since the early 80's. and still today, you sing just as good. I never get tired of hearing your amazing voice and songs. Thank you so much for so many through the years.

[@xSilent.Threatx]

I didnt have children for this exact reason. It just wouldn't have been fair for my children to grow up without me there. All the men out there providing, keep your heads up.

[@johnw.peterson4311]

Big John plays with such heart. An Incredible artist and gift to all of us.

[@orion3706]

I was a Correctional Officer working Saturdays when my wife and daughter were off. My daughter did all-star (competition) cheer. Her team won US Finals in Indianapolis in 2015. I couldn't have been prouder of her. It was too bad I didn't get to see it. While she was winning her competition, I was sitting in the control room of a cell house. Inmates aren't the only ones who miss their children growing up. Thankfully, I left the prison in 2019 and got to watch her compete 3 times at the D2 Summit at Disney World. I don't regret the decision to walk away from Corrections one bit.

[@Coppersaguaro]

I’m 43 with no kids. It didn’t happen for me. I would have been there if I did have them. This one gets me every time. 💔

[@alanberei5924]

This is a fantastic song. I travel for business but after going into deep depression for the regret I had I vowed to never have regrets again. I will always be there.

[@Thunderdomehomestead]

This man has a voice smooth as hot butter.

[@ChrisHorne-o1n]

'Great song!

[@samanthaarmintrout8467]

I grew up having my Dad play John Anderson in the truck all the time. Any time I hear his voice puts me back to being a kid. He is pure talent❤️

[@zackhudson]

Hello 👋 Samantha. How are you doing? Hope you are fine. I'm Zack Hudson and am from Denver Colorado. Where are you from? You seem like a real country girl

[@jerryb3838]

Dad has a job that took him away for weeks at a time. This song is for all the Dad's and Mom's that sacrificed for family. Now that he's been gone almost 33 years his words, " Your going to miss me when I'm gone",hit home as much as now as then.

[@kathyvanderschans6044]

Beautiful song ❤️‍🔥💓💟💓💟💓💟💓💟💓💟💓

[@zackhudson]

Hello 👋 Kathy. How are you doing? Hope you are fine.

[@olafelsberry420]

Mr. Anderson definitely has a distinct voice.