God and Country ©1995 Richard March Soldiers were my heroes Battle was my dream Took my stand second hand In books and magazines The blood red stripe, the silver sword The strong and brave, and just reward Soldiers were my heroes I’d fight for what was true A deacon in the Holy Church of Red, White & Blue Soldiers were my heroes, I wanted so to fight I’d read of far off, foreign lands, N’ dream of them at night I didn’t get the chance, I’s only six years old When they pulled out of the palace, N’ brought our heroes home Used to kick myself For bein’ born after the fight Now I thank my savior on my knees each and every night What I thought was servin’ God and country Had nothin’ to do with the Lord Thought I’s called to serve a bloody justice Till he said Put away your sword, put away your sword Then a wall came, and I broke down The heroes in my home town They're lyin’ there, cuss and cryin’ there He caught me, with a cold stare That haircut, that stiff stance You’re caught by the romance But war ain’t nothin’ but a business, see They sell you slick in history That flag you’re prayin’ to’s the real enemy Real enemy, real enemy What about that preacher, Who in the book of old Said there’s a time for peace and war, A time to reap and sow I say that preacher wrote those words Long before the lamb Who died upon the altar, N’ washed us all of sin Soldiers were my heroes, But now I see the light My heroes are the ones who’ve learned To wage a lovin’ fight He came not bringing peace, But with a mighty sword Coming not in condemnation, But to save a dyin’ world This sword it slew but never drew A single drop of blood Shedding light upon the world, Cutting wide a righteous flood Caught in lies of honor, That I could not afford He said put away your sword, Put away your sword Put away your sword, boy, Put away your sword Sure as hell that ain’t no way To serve a loving God Only seventy times seven With compassion you must fight This and this alone Will get you through the darkest night Put away your sword, boy, Put away your sword Sure as hell that ain’t no way To serve a loving God Only love and understanding Will win this war of peace Lay down that sword of blood lust, boy Your soul will be released.