Story Behind The Song

The effects of a war continue long after it is over. My brother was hit by shrapnel from a mortar and my brother-in-law was shot in the chest. Both survived but it took its toll on both of them. My brother died of natural causes several years ago and my brother-in-law is still alive. You could see in their eyes that they paid a price for going to Vietnam. This is for them.

Song Description

This song is a tribute to my brother and my brother-in-law. They were both wounded in Vietnam.

Lyrics

You Had To Fight A War

VERSE:
When I was young you went away
You had to fight a war
I was just too young back then
To know what you were fighting for

I remember seeing you
Getting ready to leave
You looked so good in uniform
Everyone could see

VERSE:
You were gone so very long
I wondered if you knew
I was waiting patiently
Just to hear from you

The news would scare me every night
Showing what you'd done
I would hope with all my heart
You were a lucky one

CHORUS:
Brother I was just too young
To even realize
There are things
We can lose in life

I did my best to understand
But I was just a kid
I didn't know
All the things men did

VERSE:
On the day that you returned
You didn't look the same
I could see it in your eyes
The was a price you paid

You went on and lived your life
I know you did your best
But there was something deep inside
That wouldn't let you rest

CHORUS:
Brother I was just too young
To even realize
There are things
We can lose in life

I did my best to understand
But I was just a kid
I didn't know
All the things men did

VERSE:
Then one bright and sunny day
I heard you passed away
I just hope that you have found
The peace that we all crave

The peace that we all crave

Copyright Lee Smith