You used to sit me on your lap and teach me everything you know.
We’d go outside and I’d catch the ball you’d throw.
But then one day you told mom and me that you had to go
To a faraway desert, on the other side of the world.

I used to write, sometimes twice a week.
And wait by the mailbox for the very first peek.
To get just one glimpse of a letter
From a faraway desert, on the other side of the world.

You would always reply and tell me to be good
To help mom out and do chores like I should.
And grow into the man that you knew I would.

Then one day two men knocked on the door.
One of them handed me your dog tags as he knelt on the floor.
I’d never seen mom cry until she could not anymore.
You died in that faraway desert, on the other side of the world.

We hung your flag and medals on the wall
There was so much sympathy from people who’d call.
And I could not understand at all
What happened in the faraway desert, on the other side of the world.

I understand now what I did not understand then,
It was all to protect Liberty from the plots of evil men.

Now that I’m older, barely a man I will go too
Across the ocean to fight, just like you.
With my buddies, as the war is new
To a faraway desert, on the other side of the world.

Blistering heat by day, chilly by night
I write mom often that I’m still alright.
Now it’s late so, out with the light.

Now under fire, with rounds so loud
I remember my promise and want to make you proud.
There’s so much confusion in the chaotic crowd
In this faraway desert, on the other side of the world

All of a sudden my arm burns like fire.
I’ve been hit bad, much to my great ire
Because make it home was my one desire
From this faraway desert, on the other side of the world

Red blood pours out onto the sand.
Now I know I am but a mortal man.
I grip your dog tags tightly in my hand
I won’t return from this faraway desert, on the other side of the world.

Now I see a distant figure. I realize it’s you dad.
I know my girl back home and mom will be really sad.
For my country I’ve fearlessly given everything I had.
In a faraway desert, on the other side of the world.