I'll
wave to all of you, as you leave
when
it's time for you to go.
As you
sail from sea to shining sea
take
the colors of your home.
Take
me with you, wherever you go
keep
me in your heart each night.
And
if you forget what you're fighting for
remember
me, in flight.
Take
me out to the battleground,
and
then tear me into shreds.
Wrap
the bleeding wound with me,
and
bind the aching head.
Plunge
me into coldest water
to soothe
the fevered brow.
Tie
me across the shattered limb,
I'll
support it now.
Let me
dry the homesick tear,
and
hold closed, the gaping chest,
for
here, in the field, where hope is lost
I am
at my best.
And then,
burn what is left of me,
for
warmth into the night.
So I
may bring comfort, where there is need
and
courage, for the fight.
My red
is deeper, for the blood you've shed.
My white
is purer, for your pain.
My blue
will be bluer than the deepest sea
when
you come home again.
Then
I'll rise to the top of the flagpole,
where
my colors are always flown,
and
from there, when the war is over