Semper Fi Marine

[Verse 1]
They folded up that flag
On a quiet Sunday lawn
Twenty-one guns thundered
Then the sound was gone
A little girl saluted
in a hand‑me‑down Sunday dress
If heaven’s got a guard post
bet you’re standin’ on that proudly
Watchin’ over all of us
til we’re fallin’ in at ease
(til we’re fallin’ in at ease)

[Chorus]
Semper Fi, Marine
you stood where the fire was mean
Put your own heartbeat
on the line for folks you’d never meet
Now your name’s carved clean
in that stone,
But in this small town, you still breathe
Semper Fi
Semper Fi, Marine

[Verse 2]
Letters in a shoebox
I still read them on the floor
You said “Don’t you cry
If I don’t make it home”
So I’m talkin’ to your dog tags
Like you’re callin’ on the phone
You stood where the fire was mean
Gave your whole heartbeat
so the rest of us could dream
When that last roll call
sounds for me behind the scenes
I’ll square my shoulders, take my seat

[Chorus]
Semper Fi, Marine
You gave all of your tomorrows
So we could chase these simple dreams
From the red clay to the hollows
I’ll keep your name in every prayer
Standin’ tall in my memory
Semper Fi
Semper Fi, Marine

[Bridge]
When I hear that anthem play
I see your perfect smile again
You said “If I don’t come back
You live twice for me, my friend”
So I’ll raise my hand on every Fourth
To the sky I can’t quite see
‘Cause you stood the line for all of us
So I’ll stand guard for your legacy

[Chorus]
Semper Fi, Marine
You gave all of your tomorrows
So we could chase these simple dreams
From the red clay to the hollows
I’ll keep your name in every prayer
Till I see you on that golden shore
Where every soul is clean
I’ll whisper through the quiet night
Semper Fi, Marine
Semper Fi, Marine

(In a low whispered tone) We'll take it from here

Male vocals, slow country, heartfelt, emotional