Winning Songs

Pioneer Library System is pleased to announce the winners of the PLS Big Read Songwriting Challenge for original songs inspired by or based upon the novel, The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien.

Norman songwriter Tom Crider for "The Wounded Soldier"

Newcastle songwriter Jason Milligan for "Thanks for Liberty"

The judging panel was so impressed with these entries that they decided to declare two winners in the competition. The songs contrast and complement each other beautifully and, together, express in song the major themes of the novel: the personal and psychological consequences of battle and the debt we owe those who put themselves in harm’s way for our county.

Both songs will be featured at the PLS Big Read Kick-Off event on Friday, March 11, at the Norman Depot in downtown Norman at 7 p.m. Crider and Milligan will be present to perform their songs and receive their award.

Listen to or download "The Wounded Soldier" by Tom Crider

{play}http://bigread.pls.lib.ok.us/images/Downloads/Songs/The_Wounded_Soldier.mp3{/play}

(download mp3)     (download lyrics)

Listen to or download "Thanks for Liberty" by Jason Milligan

{play}http://bigread.pls.lib.ok.us/images/Downloads/Songs/Thanks_For_Liberty.mp3{/play}

(download mp3)     (download lyrics)