GOD AND COUNTRY
Soldiers were my heroes
Battle was my dream
Took my stand second hand
In books and magazines
The blood red stripe, the silver sword
The strong and brave, and just reward
Soldiers were my heroes
I’d fight for what was true
A deacon in the Holy Church of
Red, White & Blue
Soldiers were my heroes,
I wanted so to fight
I’d read of far off, foreign lands,
N’ dream of them at night
I didn’t get the chance, I’s only six years old
When they pulled out of the palace,
N’ brought our heroes home
Used to kick myself
For bein’ born after the fight
Now I thank my savior on my knees
Each and every night
What I thought was servin’ God and country
Had nothin’ to do with the Lord
Thought I’s called to serve a bloody justice
Till he said
Put away your sword, put away your sword
Then a wall came, and I broke down
The heroes in my home town
Their lyin’ there, cuss and cryin’ there
He caught me, with a cold stare
That haircut, that stiff stance
You’re caught by the romance
But war ain’t nothin’ but a business, see
They sell you slick in history
That flag you’re prayin’ to’s the real enemy
Real enemy, real enemy
What about that preacher,
Who in the book of old
Said there’s a time for peace and war,
A time to reap and sow
I say that preacher wrote those words
Long before the lamb
Who died upon the altar,
N’ washed us all of sin
Soldiers were my heroes,
But now I see the light
My heroes are the ones who’ve learned
To wage a lovin’ fight
He came not bringing peace,
But with a mighty sword
Coming not in condemnation,
But to save a dyin’ world
This sword it slew but never drew
A single drop of blood
Shedding light upon the world,
Cutting wide a righteous flood
Caught in lies of honor,
That I could not afford
He said put away your sword,
Put away your sword
Put away your sword, boy,
Put away your sword
Sure as hell that ain’t no way
To serve a loving God
Only seventy times seven
With compassion you must fight
This and this alone
Will get you through the darkest night
Put away your sword, boy,
Put away your sword
Sure as hell that ain’t no way
To serve a loving God
Only love and understanding
Will win this war of peace
Lay down that sword of blood lust, boy
Your soul will be released
© 1995 Richard March