Story Behind The Song

In 2003, the Saddam Hussein regime was overthrown easily in three weeks, but the war "planners" did not account for the native population that did not want to be invaded. So tours were extended, exit strategies were forgotten and we're still there.

Song Description

What seemed like a glorious crusade has now turned into an ugly conflict where the enemy is mostly unseen, the tours of duty are endless and the casualties are mostly innocents. Our soldier ends up wondering if the real enemy is here or back home.

Lyrics

My name doesn't matter, it's worth less than my rank,
And I was sent here to suffer to suffer without any thanks.
We were told that our victory would be short and sweet,
And here I still am - ain't life just neat?

It was springtime in '03 when we begun,
And it's hot as hell now, in more ways than one.
The people here hate us, or maybe they don't;
I won't know, I won't care when they're cutting my throat.

We gave candy to kids, we built a few schools,
And we murdered a family - God, we were cruel.
We cried for forgiveness, shed some real tears,
But we'd still rather kill 'em than let them get near.

I walked up to the car and looked inside.
I saw the faces of the people that died.
When I saw the children I wanted to run.
The little boy looked just like my own son!

Thanks so much for the ribbons that you hang on your door,
But I'd rather not stay here fighting this war.
I beg you, allow me my family to see,
And let me come home - that's the best gift for me.

My best friend was killed as we traveled along
By a dead dog that was hiding a bomb.
The shooting at night is my lullaby,
But I can't sleep from wondering if I will die.

To topple the dictator was our sacred trust,
But the people fought back, as all people must.
Ten thousand sprang up in the dictator's stead,
And the reason we came is now gone from my head.

I've a baby at home, and also a wife,
Just like those who never fought in their life.
They said I'd come home, but they then changed their mind,
And I wish they'd come here and fight by my side.

We toppled a tyrant, but I've just begun
To wonder: Did we really get the right one?
I don't complain, I don't make a sound,
But one day we just might turn these guns around.

Thanks so much for the ribbons that you hang on your door,
But I'd rather not stay here fighting this war.
I beg you, allow me my family to see,
And let me come home - that's the best gift for me.

Playlist Creator	Playlist Name	Date Added
Banna Beag Mall	My Top Songs	7/31/2009