Lyrics
Here's a dedication
Expressing a tribute or acknowledgment.
To the men and women who've served in Vietnam
Dedicated to those who served in the Vietnam War.
From our generation to you and your family...
From the singer's generation to the veterans and their families.
Respect is long overdue
Recognition and honor are overdue.
Memories of blood, red, white, blue
Recollections of violence and patriotism.
Orange skies at night, southeast Asia knew
Reference to the Agent Orange herbicide and its impact on the region.
You were called to serve and you did it well
Commending the veterans for their service.
For us you've made a round-trip through hell
They endured a harrowing journey for the benefit of others.
Wars within wars, within wars
Describing the complexity of wars within wars.
To survive you made your own laws
Survival required creating unconventional rules.
Every day and night to stay alive
Continuous struggle for survival.
You kept your head down and your powder dry
Remaining vigilant and prepared.
Memories of families
Recollections of separated families.
It's God i've known
The singer turns to God for solace.
Take me home
Expressing a desire to return home.
Now you live asking God why
Questioning why they survived when others perished.
He didn't take you when your brothers all died
Acknowledging the survivor's survivor's guilt.
Explosions shake the dreams in your head at night in bed
Nightmares disturb the veteran's sleep.
Don't wake him up or you'll end up dead
Caution against disturbing the veteran's peace.
Try to understand his pain
Encouraging empathy for the veteran's pain.
He still sees blood stains that remain
Haunted by vivid memories of bloodshed.
In his heart and mind, try to numb the pain
Attempts to numb emotional pain.
People think they understand
People think they understand, but they may not fully grasp the trauma.
Sat watching TV back on quiet land
Contrast between the peaceful home front and the war memories.
They spit on you now we'll spit back for you
Expressing anger at those who disrespect veterans.
Our hearts, our voice, gift of our hands
Commitment to supporting veterans with words and actions.
What can they do for you and those who served
Questioning what society can do for the veterans.
And died, we pay respect to the families
Paying respects to families of deceased veterans.
Who still cry
Recognition of ongoing pain for families who lost someone in the war.
Your kids are now full grown
Children of veterans are now adults.
With the love and pride you should have known
Regret that veterans didn't experience the love and pride they deserved.
Back when your country brought you home
Reflecting on a time when the country welcomed back its soldiers.
Still now you fight the tears and face your fears each day
Veterans continue to battle emotional challenges.
But the horrors of fact won't go away
The harsh realities of war persist in the minds of veterans.
For 2300 MIA's or POW's to this day
Remembering and praying for those missing in action or prisoners of war.
We remember and pray for you
A final expression of remembrance and solidarity.
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