about
Joel Mabus’ stunning gift to his brother and
all those who served in Vietnam. I dedicate it
to Porter Rathmell and Johnny Painter.
lyrics
Well, I guess you could call it our summer of freedom,
the year that we both turned eighteen -
We hitch-hiked to Denver, straight out of high school
man, we were sights to be seen.
And that was the year that you dated my cousin, 'til
they took us away in the fall.
Now I dearly wish you were standing here with me as
I touch your name on the wall.
[chorus:] Touch a name on the wall,
Touch a name on the wall.
God help us all
Touch a name on the wall.
Every time I come here I wear my fatigues, to honor
the men that I knew.
I touch every name that came from my outfit, and I
read them out loud when I do.
Now some people say that they all died for nothing,
but I don't completely agree -
'Cause this brother here didn't die for no country - He
died for me.
[chorus]
Now, usually walls are made for division
- to separate me from you.
But God bless the wall that brings us together,
and reminds us of what we've been through.
And God damn the liars and the tin-plated heroes who
trade on the blood of such men.
God give us the strength to stand up and tell them -
Never again!
[chorus]
credits
from
Letters Home,
released July 23, 2008
(Joel Mabus, Fingerboard Music, BMI)
John MacLean: vocal and acoustic guitar
Seth Connelly: fretless electric bass, mandolin, and accordion
license
all rights reserved
