What Soldiers Do

Written by Phil Cerroni

(Song by Phil Vandel –Printed with permission)

A million miles from anywhere I ever thought I’d be,

In the middle of the Middle East with blisters on my feet.

Walking ‘round in the scorching sand, beneath the desert sun

Carrying my hope for peace, my bible and a gun.

I’ve got pictures in my pockets of the ones that I hold true,

It’s the closest I can get to them ‘til my deployment here is through.

They’re always on my mind, and I’m counting down the days,

Knowing that they’re missing me from half a world away.

When you see that flag a-flying, I hope you think of me and know

I’d give my own life just to keep yours free.

It’s a hell of a heavy burden, but I carry it for you

–for the Red, White and Blue

Because that’s what soldiers do.

Sometimes I’m going through the motions;

Sometimes I’m sharper than a tack;

Sometimes the weight upon my mind outweighs the one upon my back.

When there’s things I have to do that I just can’t explain

Well, I just keep on pushing on, and I try not to complain.

When you see that flag a-flying, I hope you think of me and know

I’d give my own life just to keep yours free.

It’s a hell of a heavy burden, but I carry it for you –

for the Red, White and Blue

Because that’s what soldiers do.

I’m not trying to be a hero, I’m just doing my job

Like so many other soldiers way out here on this fob

I make this promise to the families of the ones who gave their lives

Their sacrifice will live in me until the day I die.

And when you see that flag a-flying, I hope you’ll think of me,

And know I’d give my own life just to keep yours free.

It’s a hell of a heavy burden, but I carry it for you

– for the Red, White and Blue

Because that’s what soldiers do; that’s what airmen do;

Coast guardsmen and sailors do;

That’s what the Marines do.