The Old Man

He was just an old man
and I never knew his name
but way down deep inside me
I knew I'd never be the same

I was just a young boy
and I didn't understand
so I'd listen close to Mama
when she spoke about the old man

She kept his picture on the mantle
and hanging on the wall
though her world was devastated
the night she got the call

He left his wife and family
when his orders came that day
Another time. A different place
In a land so far away

Fighting in a battle
that he knew was right
so folks back home could sleep in peace
through the Star Spangled night

Our days were dark and lonely
and we saw some falling rains
but, he left us his memories
of those amber waves of grain

I heard all the stories
every time I turned on my tv
but, parties, booze, and women
were the chosen life for me

Now we'll hit the beach running
where you died that day
War is Hell on the home front too
and this is all I've got to say

Old Man I want to thank you
for the life you gave to me
America is beautiful
and I'm proud to keep her free

He was just an old man
and I never knew his name
but, way down deep inside me
I knew I'd never be the same