Boots by the door, dust on the floor
Dog tags clinkin’ like a knock on the war
Little Alexander with a toy in his hand
Tryna understand why his hero gotta stand
At attention when the country calls his name
While mama wipes tears, sayin’ “it’s the game”
But he don’t see a game, just the empty chair
At the dinner table, wishin’ dad was there
He learned how to be strong before he learned how to cry
Watched a flag wave different when his dad said goodbye
Countin’ down days like stars in the sky
Holdin’ onto letters just to feel him nearby
Salute me goodnight, I’ll be home someday
Through the miles and the silence, I’m not far away
Alexander, be brave, yeah I’m proud of you son
Even when I’m gone, you’re the reason I run
Through the storms, through the fight
You’re my reason to survive every night
So salute me goodnight, don’t you fear the unknown
No matter where I go, you’re never alone
First day of school, dad missed the bell
Teacher asked why, he just shrugged, “can’t tell”
Kids talk loud but they don’t understand
What it means when your hero’s in a far-off land
Drawing pictures of a man in green
With a smile so big but eyes unseen
He writes “I love you” in crooked lines
Hopes it makes it across enemy lines
He learned how to fight just to hide the pain
Turned quiet nights into pouring rain
Every birthday wish was the same refrain
“Just bring my dad back home again…”
Salute me goodnight, I’ll be home someday
Through the miles and the silence, I’m not far away
Alexander, be brave, yeah I’m proud of you son
Even when I’m gone, you’re the reason I run
Through the storms, through the fight
You’re my reason to survive every night
So salute me goodnight, don’t you fear the unknown
No matter where I go, you’re never alone
Years go by, now he’s standin’ tall
Same boots by the door, answerin’ the call
Looks in the mirror, sees his father’s eyes
Same sacrifice, same silent goodbyes
But now he knows what it really means
To carry a love through distant scenes
He whispers softly to the sky above…
“I finally understand your love.”
Salute me goodnight, I’m coming back home
Through the battles and scars, I was never alone
Alexander, you grew into more than I dreamed
You’re the strength in my heart, you’re my everything
Through the storms, through the fight
We both made it out into the light
So no more goodbyes, no more tears to hide
Just a father and son… standin’ side by side
Dog tags quiet, boots by the bed
No more letters left unread
Just a simple life, after all that fight…
And a final salute… goodnight.
LDRides
