Don't you cry-- I'll return.
Theres something that I gotta earn.
It may be small, it may be light.
But in my heart, I know its right.
I took the pen and signed the page,
With my name it was engaged.
I raised my hand and then I swore,
To serve; nothing less, maybe more.
This is on no one's behalf . .
Its just a more deserving path.
Uniforms all squared away;
I'd choose that outfit anyday.
A silver sword, an M16,
Everything a boy could dream!
Right face, left face; cock and drive.
Everything to feel alive.
So while you wait, always know
I'll be back, when I go.
But as of now, I must depart.
To meet my future at its start.
The yellow footprints start the mark,
of the journey I'll embark.
Mixed with unfamiliar faces
Of boys like me from different places.
Right now we're scared of what to do
But soon we'll hold the title too.
They'll makes us face our hardest fears,
The ones we've held with us for years.
And through this time, I'll make my brothers
The ones that came from other mothers
But train to share the blood with me
And add to U.S. history.
And in the end, when its all done,
Instead of many, we'll be just one.
A team, a force, a family.
Just how we had trained to be.
At the moment of our glory,
I reach the proudest of my story.
Drill instructor face-to-face,
With my hand, palm up in place.
Finally he sets it down,
Its almost like its heaven bound.
Not a diamond, beads or gold,
It couldn't even be sold.
It bares the Eagle, bold in flight
The anchor is strengthening sight.
And the globe is in the center,
Holding everything together.
This is it, the time has come.
The hardest part is really done.
I clutched my hands around this steel.
These hands are how I made this real.
My veins are flowing hot with pride,
Along with brothers by my side.
My heart is beating out my chest,
It beats among only the best.
A tear or two came out my eye,
Because I did way more than try.
I took the challenge as my own.
And all my efforts clearly show.
So, here I come, back to you.
I made my very dream come true.
I realize it in your face,
That there is no better place.
I'll hold you tight, cause now I'm home.
You'll never have to be alone.
I'll protect you through it all,
Even while the country falls.
I left a boy, but now a man.
I think I finally understand.
I, myself can finally see,
I'm a United States Marine.
I'll never lose what I have earned,
The legacy is deeply burned
Into my heart, into my soul
And now I have a newer goal.
They asked for me, I have to fight.
But, baby, it'll be alright.
My Drill Instructors taught me well.
It shows with every empty shell.
This is what I swore to do,
Protect my country, including you.
Remember when you doubt its true,
We still raise red, white and blue.
Don't you cry--
I'll return.
Theres something that I gotta learn.
It may be hard, this bloody fight.
But in my heart, I know its right.