Why?
I heard this story on NPR http://www.npr.org/2011/08/29/139641794/where-generations-of-soldiers-healed-and-moved-on about Walter Read Hospital and it inspired me to write in my journal. In a few short hours, it turned into this song:
Why? By Diane Dandeneau
He once was six foot three, now he’s five foot two
Someone put a landmine in the path of his boots
His life has changed forever, as he waits for stumps to heal
The good news is they have for him new feet made of steel
One of the lucky ones, he has a life to live
Wants to raise a family, would like to coach some kids
The interviewer asks him, can’t that dream still come true?
He hesitates… saying yes… not sounding very sure
Chorus
He’s a hero to his county
A hero to his wife
But no-one asks the question…
Why?
I listen to this story on NPR
Wondering why the real question’s left on the floor?
In this crazy world there must be another way
To deal with the insanity, than playing these deadly games
Chorus
For it is the economy that really matters now
The more it grows the more we need to protect what is ours
We should all be grateful to those we sacrifice
Their lives and limbs to protect our privileged, cushy lives
Bridge
Can we hear him crying late in the night
And feel the pain that’s shattering all of our lives?
Chorus
