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.
Well them four walls of Raiford, closing in on me
Doin' three to five hard labor, for armed robbery
I had two years behind me, but I could not wait the time
Everytime I thought about it, well I died some more inside
And I had stripes on my back, memories that hurt
For the only time I seen sunshine is when I hit the dirt
Diggin' ditches for the chain gang, sleepin' in the cold
Oh Lord please forgive me for I could not wait no more
[Chorus]
And I'm comin' home to see you Jesus
Well it feels so close this time
Please take mercy on this soldier
From the Florida-Georgia line
When they find me they must kill me
Oh Jesus save my soul
I can't go back down to Raiford
I can't take that anymore
Well these last few years behind me
Oh Lord, have been so sad
I fought proudly for my country when the times were bad
Now they say I'm guilty, when they find me I must die
Only me and Jesus know that I never stole a dime
[Chorus]
Well when Vietnam was over there was no work here for me
I had a pretty wife awaitin and two kids I had to feed
Well I'm one of America's heroes and when they shoot me down
Won't you fly old Glory proudly, put my medals in the ground
And I'm comin' home to see you Jesus
Well it feels so close this time
Please take mercy on this soldier
From the Florida-Georgia line
When they find me they must kill me
Oh Jesus save my soul
I can't go back down to Raiford
I can't take that anymore
Doin' three to five hard labor, for armed robbery
I had two years behind me, but I could not wait the time
Everytime I thought about it, well I died some more inside
And I had stripes on my back, memories that hurt
For the only time I seen sunshine is when I hit the dirt
Diggin' ditches for the chain gang, sleepin' in the cold
Oh Lord please forgive me for I could not wait no more
[Chorus]
And I'm comin' home to see you Jesus
Well it feels so close this time
Please take mercy on this soldier
From the Florida-Georgia line
When they find me they must kill me
Oh Jesus save my soul
I can't go back down to Raiford
I can't take that anymore
Well these last few years behind me
Oh Lord, have been so sad
I fought proudly for my country when the times were bad
Now they say I'm guilty, when they find me I must die
Only me and Jesus know that I never stole a dime
[Chorus]
Well when Vietnam was over there was no work here for me
I had a pretty wife awaitin and two kids I had to feed
Well I'm one of America's heroes and when they shoot me down
Won't you fly old Glory proudly, put my medals in the ground
And I'm comin' home to see you Jesus
Well it feels so close this time
Please take mercy on this soldier
From the Florida-Georgia line
When they find me they must kill me
Oh Jesus save my soul
I can't go back down to Raiford
I can't take that anymore
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There is a huge error should be corrected: "Won't fly old Glory proudly, put my medals in the ground" should read: "Won't YOU fly old Glory proudly, put my medals in the ground"
Changes the whole meaning of the song. He's saying he loves the country but the misquote makes him sound like an ex-patriot.