Didn't I
A Soldier's Reflection: Sacrifices Unseen
Lyrics
Didn't I make you proud
Expressing the speaker's question about whether they made someone proud.
Go and lay my life down
Highlighting the speaker's willingness to sacrifice and risk their life.
When you called my name
Recalling a moment when the speaker responded to a call with a sense of duty.
I thought I stood for something
Reflecting on the belief that the speaker represented something meaningful.
Was doing the right thing when I went away
Acknowledging the speaker's intention to do the right thing when they left.
Now being back should be so simple
Expressing the expectation that returning should be straightforward.
But I keep getting mixed signals from everyone
Conveying the speaker's confusion due to conflicting signals received.
Why do folks sit and judge me
Questioning the judgment of others who criticize without understanding the speaker's experiences.
Who I ain't seen what I seen or did what I've done
Defending the speaker's actions by emphasizing unique experiences.
Didn't I burn
Recalling the speaker's sacrifices and hardships, including physical pain.
Didn't I bleed enough for you
Asking if the speaker's sacrifice and pain were not sufficient.
I faced your fears
Highlighting the speaker's courage in facing and overcoming fears.
Felt pain so you won't have to
Expressing the speaker's willingness to endure pain for the sake of others.
Didn't I do my best
Asserting that the speaker did their best in a given situation.
And wasn't home here when I left
Stating that the speaker expected a welcoming home after their efforts.
I've seen boys fall to pieces
Referencing the observed struggles of others, possibly fellow soldiers.
Grown men cry out for Jesus
Describing the emotional breakdown of grown men, possibly due to traumatic experiences.
Til they're black and blue
Depicting extreme suffering until physical harm is visible (black and blue).
I thought God was on our side
Questioning the speaker's belief in divine support during difficult times.
Weren't we suppose to be the good guys
Expressing disappointment at not fulfilling the expected heroic role.
That would never lose
Reflecting on the assumed invincibility and righteousness of the speaker's side.
Cause I don't see no ticker tape
Noticing the absence of recognition, celebration, or gratitude.
Or five mile parade
Questioning the lack of a triumphant celebration for the speaker's service.
Saying "Thank You son"
Expressing the absence of acknowledgment and appreciation from society.
Just folks that sit and judge me
Reiterating frustration with judgment from those who lack similar experiences.
Who ain't seen what I've seen or did what I've done
Defending the speaker's actions and experiences against judgment.
Didn't I burn
Reiterating the speaker's sacrifice and endurance, questioning if it was not enough.
Didn't I bleed enough for you
Asking if the speaker's bleeding was insufficient for the observers.
I faced your fears
Recalling the speaker's confrontation with fears to protect others.
Felt pain so you won't have to
Stressing the speaker's endurance of pain for the well-being of others.
Didn't I do my best
Asserting that the speaker did their best in challenging circumstances.
And wasn't home here when I left.
Emphasizing that the speaker expected a welcoming home after fulfilling their duty.
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