50,000 Names

There's teddy bears and high school rings,

And old photographs that mamas bring.

Of daddies with their young boys playin' ball.

There's combat boots he used to wear,

When he was sent over there.

And there's 50,000 names carved in the wall.

There's cigarettes and cans of beer,

And notes that say: "I miss you dear."

And children who don't say anything at all.

There's purple hearts and packs of gum,

Fatherless daughters and fatherless sons.

And there's 50,000 names carved in the wall

They come from all across this land,

In pick-up trucks and mini vans,

Searchin' for a boy from long ago.

They scan the wall and find his name,

The teardrops fall like pourin' rain,

Then silently they leave a gift and go.

There's stars of David and rosary beads,

And crucifixion figurines,

And flowers of all colours large and small.

There's a boy scout badge and a merit pin,

Little American flags wavin' in the wind.

And there's 50,000 names carved in the wall

50,000 names carved in the wall.