One in Four

One of every four homeless persons in the US is a Veteran.

1 in 4

25%

This is for all who serve with honor.

The desert heat still in my lungs
the taste of sand in my mouth
when the cold winds blow I leave the east
and I make my way down south
steer far clear of Houston boys
they don't like our kind down there
cops'll take one look and bury you son
forget the medals you wear
forget the medals you wear

I walked away from Desert Storm
looking like the boy who went away
no scratches on the outside
and nothing much to say
but the nights they drag on longer now
and my head don't feel too good
and I'm putting things inside me
that I know I never should
that I know I never should

They tell me I'm one in four who served
out living on the street
you got a crisp salute and thanks and praise
for the soldiers that you meet
take in them flags the parade's all done
head back to your abode
keep my army hidden
it's time to sweep the road

There's guys from Nam and Panama
even some Korean boys
who've grown old out here but wiser
filled with shame and poise
and some 19 year olds just come back
from the latest mid east war
come home to stacks of unpaid bills
and a for sale sign on the door
and a for sale sign on the door

I'd die for my country
but does it have to be this way?
coughing up chunks into the fire
a forgotten man today
We buried one this morning
underneath the veteran's bridge
while they honored us about our heads
for all the things we did
for all the things we did

They tell me I'm one in four of the men who served
out living on the street
you got a crisp salute and thanks and praise
for the youngsters that you meet
take in them flags the parade's all done
head back to your abode
keep that hidden army hidden
it's time to sweep the road