The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Tonight a soldier falls asleep
Dreams along a lonely street
Soon he kisses Ma goodbye
Tastes her famous apple pie
Flies old glory by his door
Loves the land he's fighting for
Says "Mama Mama don't you cry,
Ain't so long 'til I'll be back."
[Chorus]
Marching off to serve my country
Blessed are those who sacrifice
Think about me in July
It'll cheer you up inside
Morning breeze of Uncle Sam
Blows heritage into his hand
Churches singing high and loud
He's a'gonna make them proud
The children form a motorcade
To give the boy a serenade
As the tarmac looses contact
He can see the welcome parade
[Chorus]
Down the road a Mama cries
Tries to see her baby's eyes
Celebrate the Fourth of July
Underneath another sky
She holds a picture to her chest
Prayers to God racing through her flesh
Says "Love my country, yes I do.
I'll ask it in Red, White, and Blue"
Why am I just blue
on the Fourth of July?
Love the soldier.
Love the soldier.
Loving and blessing
So proud of every soldier.
But something ain't right
On the Fourth of July
Dreams along a lonely street
Soon he kisses Ma goodbye
Tastes her famous apple pie
Flies old glory by his door
Loves the land he's fighting for
Says "Mama Mama don't you cry,
Ain't so long 'til I'll be back."
[Chorus]
Marching off to serve my country
Blessed are those who sacrifice
Think about me in July
It'll cheer you up inside
Morning breeze of Uncle Sam
Blows heritage into his hand
Churches singing high and loud
He's a'gonna make them proud
The children form a motorcade
To give the boy a serenade
As the tarmac looses contact
He can see the welcome parade
[Chorus]
Down the road a Mama cries
Tries to see her baby's eyes
Celebrate the Fourth of July
Underneath another sky
She holds a picture to her chest
Prayers to God racing through her flesh
Says "Love my country, yes I do.
I'll ask it in Red, White, and Blue"
Why am I just blue
on the Fourth of July?
Love the soldier.
Love the soldier.
Loving and blessing
So proud of every soldier.
But something ain't right
On the Fourth of July
Lyrics submitted by Maltese
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