Semper Fi Marine

They folded up that flag

On a quiet Sunday lawn

Twenty-one guns thundered

Then the sound was gone

A little girl saluted

in a hand‑me‑down Sunday dress

If heaven’s got a guard post

bet you’re standin’ on that proudly

Watchin’ over all of us

til we’re fallin’ in at ease

(til we’re fallin’ in at ease)

Semper Fi, Marine

you stood where the fire was mean

Put your own heartbeat

on the line for folks you’d never meet

Now your name’s carved clean

in that stone,

But in this small town, you still breathe

Semper Fi

Semper Fi, Marine

Letters in a shoebox

I still read them on the floor

You said “Don’t you cry

If I don’t make it home”

So I’m talkin’ to your dog tags

Like you’re callin’ on the phone

You stood where the fire was mean

Gave your whole heartbeat

so the rest of us could dream

When that last roll call

sounds for me behind the scenes

I’ll square my shoulders, take my seat

Semper Fi, Marine

You gave all of your tomorrows

So we could chase these simple dreams

From the red clay to the hollows

I’ll keep your name in every prayer

Standin’ tall in my memory

Semper Fi

Semper Fi, Marine

When I hear that anthem play

I see your perfect smile again

You said “If I don’t come back

You live twice for me, my friend”

So I’ll raise my hand on every Fourth

To the sky I can’t quite see

‘Cause you stood the line for all of us

So I’ll stand guard for your legacy

Semper Fi, Marine

You gave all of your tomorrows

So we could chase these simple dreams

From the red clay to the hollows

I’ll keep your name in every prayer

Till I see you on that golden shore

Where every soul is clean

I’ll whisper through the quiet night

Semper Fi, Marine

Semper Fi, Marine

(In a low whispered tone) We'll take it from here