Lyrics

Carry Us Home By Yves Stilmant © 2025
Verse 1a
I stood in the doorway, boots by the bed,
My little brother's dog tags hangin' near my head.
Mama's in the kitchen, holdin' back tears,
Said, "I lost one boy... I can't face that fear."
Verse 1b
Dad lit a smoke, just stared at the floor,
Said, "Your country needs you -- I just wish it didn't anymore."
I hugged 'em both, my hands shakin' tight,
Tryin' to be brave as I kissed 'em goodnight.
Pre-Chorus
And just before I walked out that door,
He pulled me close and said once more:
Chorus
Carry us home in your heart, my son,
Wherever you go, remember where you're from.
Tell your brothers out there they're not alone,
And fight like hell to make it home.
Your mama's prayin', I'm tryin' to be strong,
But son, this road you're on is long.
So be smart, stand tall, and never stand alone...
And carry us home.
Verse 2a
I called from the base, the line cut out,
Could barely hear Mama through the static and doubt.
She said, "I packed you a letter with your brother's old patch,
He'd be proud, baby -- he'd have your back."*
Verse 2b
I wear his name on my sleeve each day,
Feels like he walks with me in some quiet way.
But sometimes at night, I just break down,
Talk to his picture like he's still around.
Pre-Chorus
And when I can't sleep and I miss my home,
I whisper back what I've always known:
Chorus
Carry us home in your heart, my son,
Wherever you go, remember where you're from.
Tell your brothers out there they're not alone,
And fight like hell to make it home.
Your mama's prayin', I'm tryin' to be strong,
But son, this road you're on is long.
So be smart, stand tall, and never stand alone...
And carry us home.
Bridge
There's a picture of us on the porch at dusk,
Faded now, but filled with trust.
I see it clear when I close my eyes--
That's what I fight for... that's my why.
Final Chorus (Double)
Carry us home in your heart, my son,
Wherever you go, remember where you're from.
Tell your brothers out there they're not alone,
And fight like hell to make it home.
Your mama's prayin', I'm tryin' to be strong,
But son, this road you're on is long.
So be smart, stand tall, and never stand alone...
And carry us home.
Yeah, carry us home... carry us home.
Carry us home in your heart, my son,
Wherever you go, remember where you're from.
Tell your brothers out there they're not alone,
And fight like hell to make it home.
Your mama's prayin', I'm tryin' to be strong,
But son, this road you're on is long.
So be smart, stand tall, and never stand alone...
And carry us home.
Yeah, carry us home... carry us home.

Outro
And one day I'll drive down that old gravel road,
See Mama smiling, feel Dad's strong hold.
The porch light's on... the stars all aligned--
I carried them there, and I made it this time.
Yeah, I carried us home...
And I made it home.