[Verse 1]
He killed the motor at the mailbox
Said, "Boy, you’re gonna be the man"
Left his boots by the front door
And a note in a coffee can
Mama cried in the kitchen
I just stared at his old truck
Learned real fast sometimes
"Love you" ain’t enough
[Chorus]
You left, I stayed
Picked up the pieces in your place
Built my backbone from the blame
Turned that hurt into a flame
You ran from a last name
I ran toward the battle planes
If you won’t stand for us, that’s fine
I’ll stand for this flag of mine
[Verse 2]
Eighteen, sand in my duffel
Dog tags cold on my chest
Saluted men who had daughters
Sons they still tucked into bed
Thought of you when the rockets
Lit up that foreign sky
You walked out on a promise
I swore I’d never walk by
[Chorus]
[Bridge]
Maybe one day you’ll see my picture
On some wall in a hometown bar
Hear ’em toast that kid who made it
Who fought hard, who took the scars
Maybe then you’ll feel that empty
Where your pride was supposed to start
’Cause I fought for a country
You left in my heart
[Chorus]