We Stand

They say you gotta stand for something, no matter the cost
But what if what we stood for is the reason that we're lost?
We've condemned every nation, every faction that isn't us
Cuz they feel differently about the things we say we love

They say to become a soldier who is worthy 'nuff to lead
You sacrifice your morals to advance the greater need
But should you ever look back upon the victims that you've shunned
You'll find that they surprisingly aren't from a different blood

We stand! (For the innocent who can't defend themselves)
We fight! (For the things that bring more good into this world)
The battle cries with tearful eyes can't mask the pain we cause
With every life we take, we lose ourselves

So as we climb up this mountain to advance towards our foe
I'm left with thoughts I'm wrestling and hoping to ignore
So strange it seems, despite my role, there's a truth that I now see
How do I fight this enemy when he looks so much like me?

We stand! (For the innocent who can't defend themselves)
We fight! (For the things that bring more good into this world)
The battle cries with tearful eyes can't mask the pain we cause
With every life we take, we lose ourselves

So sad it took this final fight to discover this hard truth
And now it will be lost in time, just like my squandered youth
But if you happen to be reading this, whether friend or foe
I'm sorry if I mistreated you, please take my words and go

We stand! (We fall...)