Gold Star
“Let him rest with his boys
where the poppies still grow”
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Gold Star
[Instrumental Intro]
[Verse 1]
There’s a flag in the window, stitched with a gold star
Hangs in the breeze where the porch light used to burn
Mama don’t speak much since the telegram came
Just rocks on the glider, callin’ my name
Daddy walks the furrows from dawn until dark
But the rows run together, he can’t find his mark
He says the earth smells different since you went away
Like it’s holdin’ its breath for Judgment Day
[Chorus]
Gold Star, Gold Star, shine down through the pines
Over Normandy clay and Manila’s white lines
I’d trade every tomorrow for one yesterday
To lay flowers on your grave back home in Tennessee
Gold Star, Gold Star, you’re still marchin’ on
In the silence that follows when the last bugle’s gone
[Verse 2]
They sent us a letter, said we could bring you home
Or leave you with brothers ‘neath that cold marble stone
Mama touched your picture, whispered soft and low
“Let him rest with his boys where the poppies still grow”
So we sailed without you on a slow gray ship
Six thousand mothers with grief on our lips
Knelt in the rain at a cross carved so fine
And traced your name like it was the first time we cried
[Chorus]
Gold Star, Gold Star, shine down through the pines
Over Belleau Wood shadows and Ardennes frost lines
I’d trade every tomorrow for one yesterday
To hear your boots on the porch back in Tennessee
Gold Star, Gold Star, you’re still marchin’ on
In the heartbeat of America when the last light is gone
[Instrumental interlude]
[Bridge – half-spoken, half-sung, harmony swells]
Some children in Belgium tend your stone every spring
Lay daisies and chocolates like you’re family
They don’t know your laugh, they never saw you smile
But they water your memory mile after mile
[Final Chorus – key lifts, voices break open]
Gold Star, Gold Star, burn bright in the dark
You’re the ache in the hymn and the crack in my heart
I’ll meet you one morning where the river runs free
And we’ll walk that old porch swing in eternity
Gold Star, sweet boy, Mama’s comin’ on
Till then keep on marchin’ when the last bugle’s gone
[Outro – solo voice, barely above a whisper over fading guitar]
There’s a flag in the window…
stitched with a gold star…
star…
[Instrumental outro]
This is original work is produced by AK Darvinson with a combination of observation, critical thinking, insight, heart, compassion, passion, creativity, and technology. All rights are reserved. Free sharing is encouraged. Commercial use via license only.
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