Bury Me With Soldiers

I've had a lot of roles in life
I've met a lot of men
I've done some things
(I'd like to think)
I'd never do again

And though I'm young
I'm old enough to know
Someday I'll die
And though I'm sure of the hope I know
Beside whom would I lie?

I know it doesn't matter much
Still, if I had my choice
I'd want a spot near soldiers
When (at last) death stills my voice

And I don't want lengthy eulogies
Or lectures from 'the wise' -
I'll gladly lay alongside those
Who faced the guns and died

See, the Joes I knew were typical...
They didn't thirst for war
They served because their fathers had,
As their father's had before

Yeah, they killed, they cursed and cried
(Lord knows they were easy to deride)
But bury me with such as these
Throughout the countryside

It's strange when you reckon it -
How we all just got along
We came from different worlds
To serve in one with battle song

And we didn't even like each other
And with that, they'd all agree
Yet I would give my life for them
As some I knew did for me

So, bury me with soldiers
Though, at times, maligned they be
Yes, bury me with soldiers
For I miss their company

So prepare to see more soldiers, friends
Marching to and from our wars
Serving, fighting and finally reporting
To the Commander, Christ, our Lord

~RNS, revised 2003, 2010 and 2012 (original author unknown)