Story Behind The Song

An unknown hero unknown to his town,

Song Description

A young boy befriending an old veteran

Lyrics

Old Joe #16262933 W:Larry M Clark BMI P:ELLEMSEE MUSIC,BMI larrymyrtus@yahoo.com
In the little town where I grew up lived a simple 'bo, Townfolks all looked down on him and just called him "Old Joe"
His clothes were old but always clean, but looked a little seedy
As though he did his shoppin' at an outlet for the needy

but Joe was a friend of mine, the dearest friend I had
and when someone would laugh at him, it always made me mad
Dogs would chase him down the street, kids would tease and joke
But Joe would nod his head and wave, although my heart was broke

It didn't seem to bother him, but these things would make me cry
He'd reach out and pat my head, and look me in the eye He'd touch a small flat handworn box inside his tattered sweater
Let people say the things they will, for this box tells me better
I never saw what was in the box, although I asked him often
He'd say, "I'll leave the box to you when I am in my coffin" Joe kept on shufflin' right through life, the dogs barked everyday
and then one day the sad news came that Joe had passed away

The Sheriff came up to my door, the box was in his hand
Old Joe left word that this was yours and said, "You'd understand"
I clutched the box to my heart, my eyes filled with tears
I wondered just how long Joe'd had it, just how many years

Sadly I went up to my room and opened the box with care
My amazed eyes could not believe what I saw lyin' there
a band of Blue and White starred ribbon and a star medal made of gold
an inscription written in the case, to me, Joe's story told
Presented to Sergeant Joseph Clark, a hero above and beyond
the call of duty to his country in the Battle of Argonne
The name inscribed below the words had been President long ago
and I knew why dogs and laughin' kids hadn't bothered my friend Joe
Go with God, old Joe Clark and Thank You for your service