He grew up in some forgotten midwest town
His mama raised him well
Barely getting by thought he'd be okay
As far as he could tell
Oh the plant in town closed ten years ago
Now an empty ghost it stands
For the last nine months he's tried to find a job
But there's nothing to be had

So he signs up to fight for Uncle Sam
It's the only choice he's got
To fight a desert war with another land
Only to find peace or not
He's a moving target in a desperate place
Every day is a twist of fate
Oh, his family wonders if he'll make it home
Know his faith's his saving grace

Now he's waking up in a strange land
To face an even stranger day
Brave one, standing tall
Keep them all out of harm's way

Now he's waking up in a strange land
To face an even stranger day
Brave one, standing tall
Keep them all out of harm's way

Oh, they sent him home to his family
Nursing wounds that no one sees
Certain scents and smells trigger flashback spells
That rewind the tragedy
All these memories hold him prisoner
It's of the violence he regrets
What was his ticket out is his nightmare now
In a war he can't forget

Now he's waking up in a strange land
To face an even stranger day
Brave one, standing tall
Keep them all out of harm's way

Now he's waking up in a strange land
To face an even stranger day
Brave one, standing tall
Keep them all out of harm's way