Fortunate Son

Do you remember the aeroplane
Circled overhead like all the vultures did?
When we were younger
Our bodies shook when we were under
The family tree

And do you remember when the news came
And all the looks that stayed the same
And the box of letters with broken hinges
Dirty medals, and bent syringes
And everything?

The martyr's life is not the life you chose
Fortunate son, you have only one choice
Heart betrayed by the voices of the past

Forget but don't forgive yourself
'Cause you will never be resolved
With the passing of the fall
Snow will cover all the family fields
But gravestones, they remain
(Gravestones, they remain.)

Do you remember when you had no voice?
Your mother loved you with no more choice
'Cause you couldn't laugh, you couldn't cry
You couldn't love, you couldn't die
For the God above

And do you recall the summer dance
When all those girls would hold your hand?
And the bomber jacket you couldn't wear?
Your brother left you with little care
For anyone

The martyr's life is not the life he chose
Fortunate son, trade your house for a gun
But the house holds the life your brother lost

Forget but don't forgive yourself
'Cause you will never be resolved
With the passing of the fall
Snow will cover all the family fields
But gravestones, they remain
(Gravestones, they remain.)

And that's were your brother was laid
A hero, in the family grave
Your only burden is your shame
But know your sacrifice gave your son
The honor of a family name