[Verse 1]
Alarm at four
Coffee in a chipped green cup
Kiss you once
Then the bus pulls up
Boots by the door
Dog still waiting on the mat
You say
"Stay safe"
And we leave it at that
[Chorus]
This is the march and the waiting
The lines and the long goodbyes
Living the military life
Under strange and familiar skies
It’s laughing too loud in the barracks
Then staring at the ceiling at night
Carrying names in our pockets
Living the military life
[Verse 2]
Photos taped
Inside a dented wall-locker door
Baby’s first steps
I wasn't there for
Sand in my sleeves
Or snow freezing in my hair
Different bases
Same old joke
"We’re almost there"
[Chorus]
This is the march and the waiting
The lines and the long goodbyes
Living the military life
Under strange and familiar skies
It’s laughing too loud in the barracks
Then staring at the ceiling at night
Carrying names in our pockets
Living the military life
[Bridge]
We stand at attention
But our minds go home
To a backyard grill
To a rattling phone
Every flag we fold
Every hand we shake
Teaches us what love can take (oh)
[Chorus]
This is the march and the waiting
The lines and the long goodbyes
Living the military life
Under strange and familiar skies
It’s holding on tight in the driveway
Then fading out of sight
Heart in two different places
Living the military life (military life)