Boots by the Door

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

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

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"

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

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)

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)