Officer Down

OFFICER DOWN

The modern urban warrior starts his shift at 3 p.m.
His wife gives him a hug and kiss and waves goodbye to him
After strapping on his armor and making sure he has his gun
Like she’s done a couple thousand times with thousands more to come

As he’s finishing with roll call and beginning his patrol
She is picking up their children from another day at school
And while she’s cooking dinner, just like every night, she prays
Nothing bad will happen to him while he keeps the city safe

The media cowboys are riding their scanners
They’re on scene as quick as the ambulance crew
The kids are in bed and she’s washing the dishes
When she hears the words on the 10 o’clock news

There’s an officer down
There’s an officer down
There’s an officer down

The knock on her door stops her heart even more
Than the ones in her nightmares a few times before
His Captain is there in a face dead and grey
Explaining he’s sorrier than he can say

There’s an officer down...

The string of cars goes on for miles and it slowly moves through town
Flashing lights in single file, as they carry the officer down

A vagrant in a vacant lot sets down his paper sack
And struggles to his feet, as he fumbles for his hat

Strippers from a local dive take a moment to get dressed
They stand reverently along the curb, right hands crossed against their chests
Businessman and citizens stand silent in the street
The piper plays Amazing Grace and a slow tattoo is beat

A folded flag, heartfelt sympathy, a widow’s pension and a plaque
That’s all she carries from his grave -- She just wants her husband back

There’s an officer down
There’s an officer down
There’s an officer down