Hero Of War Lyrics
Rise Against
Lyrics
He said "Son, have you seen the world?
Well, what would you say if I said that you could?
"Just carry this gun and you'll even get paid."
I said "That sounds pretty good."
Black leather boots
Spit-shined so bright
They cut off my hair but it looked alright
We marched and we sang
We all became friends
As we learned how to fight
A hero of war
Yeah that's what I'll be
And when I come home
They'll be damn proud of me
I'll carry this flag
To the grave if I must
'Cause it's a flag that I love
And a flag that I trust
I kicked in the door
I yelled my commands
The children, they cried
But I got my man
We took him away
A bag over his face
From his family and his friends
They took off his clothes
They pissed in his hands
I told them to stop
But then I joined in
We beat him with guns
And batons not just once
But again and again
A hero of war
Yeah that's what I'll be
And when I come home
They'll be damn proud of me
I'll carry this flag
To the grave if I must
'Cause it's a flag that I love
And a flag that I trust
She walked through bullets and haze
I asked her to stop
I begged her to stay
But she pressed on
So I lifted my gun
And I fired away
And the shells jumped through the smoke
And into the sand
That the blood now had soaked
She collapsed with a flag in her hand
A flag white as snow
A hero of war
Is that what they see
Just medals and scars
So damn proud of me
And I brought home that flag
Now it gathers dust
But it's a flag that I love
It's the only flag I trust
He said, "Son, have you seen the world?
Well what would you say, if I said that you could?"
Song & Lyrics Facts
Rise Against's "Hero of War" is a powerful and poignant song released in 2008 as part of their album Appeal to Reason. The song was written by Rise Against frontman Tim McIlrath, along with Joe Principe, Brandon Barnes, and Zach Blair, who are all members of the band.
It tells the story of a soldier fighting for his country in an unnamed war and reflects on the horrors of conflict and its effects on those involved. The lyrics present a stark contrast between the joys of home and the violence of war. Released on October 7th, 2008, “Hero of War” has become one of Rise Against's most popular songs. Its powerful message resonates deeply with listeners and continues to be relevant today.