Shadow of a Son

When the buildings turn to tall grass

And the yellow lights to stars

And the flag lies down at half mast

Like a thousand times before

Mother don't forget the letters

Sister don't forget to breathe

I am standing at your doorstep

You are down upon your knees

Will you taste what I have tasted

Would you feel what I have felt

I don't need you to erase it

I just need a little help

Father close the door behind you

I am not the man I was

I am standing at your doorstep

Just a shadow of a son

Will you wake me if I am screaming

Will you love me if I run

Doesn't mean I didn't mean it

When I slipped that promise on

And darling don't pour out the whiskey

You are still so beautiful

I am standing at your doorstep

We will never win this war

And I am standing at your doorstep

We will never win

And if they call me I will be there

Shine my boots and hold my breath

Maybe I'll come back a hero

Laid to rest beneath the flag

But please don't forget to tell them

Everything that I have done

And I am standing at your doorstep

I am handing you my gun

I am standing at your doorstep

I am handing you my gun

I'll be standing at your doorstep

If I am ever coming home