Michael Braunfeld

Lyrics

I learned to walk you weren't here
I learned to talk you weren't here
I learned to read I learned to write
I learned to bleed I learned to fight
You weren't here
You were over there
 
Changing diapers you weren't here
Changing schools you weren't here
Changing seasons changing times
Changing hearts and changing minds
You weren't here
You were over there
 
Dodging bullets in the sand
Of some far-off distant land
On the outskirts of an ancient city
Trying to avoid the IEDs
Until one day they say
Your luck ran out
 
Money was tight you weren't here
The mortgage was due you weren't here
They tried to take away our car
They did not care who you are
You weren't here
You were over there
 
That telephone call you weren't here
A hospital hallway you weren't here
We prayed to Jesus Grandpa was dying
Mama was hugging her knees and crying
You weren't here
You were over there
 
Dodging bullets in the sand
Of some far-off distant land
On the outskirts of an ancient city
Trying to avoid the IEDs
Until one day they say
Your luck ran out
 
A playground bully picked on Katie
So I did what Mama taught me
Seven stitches in my chin
But you should have seen that kid
You weren't here
You were over there
 
Whether it's a sandbox in the park
Or a desert in the dark
Those that know wrong from right
Still have bullies left to fight
You weren't here
You were over there
 
But I am not angry anymore
Because I know what you died for
I know why you were not here
So we could live free without fear
But how I missed you so
When you were over there
 
How I miss you so
Now that you're up there
 
Flying through the clouds so high
You and Grandpa reunite
On the golden streets of an ancient city
You're watching over me and Katie
And I know your love for me
It won't run out
 
I know one day I'll see you again