"A Part of America Died"

A part of America died.

A piece of our country he swore to protect

Will be buried with him at his side

The suspect who shot him will stand up in court,

With counsel demanding his rights

While a young widowed mother must work for her kids'

And spend many long, lonely nights.

The beat that he walked was a battlefield too,

Just as if he'd gone off to war.

Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast,

To his name they will add a gold star.

Yep, somebody killed a policeman today,

In your town or mine

While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,

A cop put his life on the line.

Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,

And he stands at each new rookie's side

He answered the call, of himself gave his all

And a part of America died.