An experience with two veterans inspired me to write this song for them. This song is signed under JLAMPCO. For licensing, e-mail jlamusicpubco@mchsi.com.

» highest in charts:   # 19   (47,079 songs currently listed in Country)
» highest in sub-genre:   # 8   (14,296 songs currently listed in Country > Country General)

In 2002, Michelle and I went to Disney World together during one of my business TDY's to Orlando. We stopped in one of the cafes to grab some lunch and when Michelle got up to go to the salad bar, I struck up a conversation with a man who was cleaning the tables near me. I learned a lot about him. He was a veteran of the Korean War. Our talk wasn't long, but it had a huge impact on me. I sat and watched him go about his business and do his job as everyone ate their food and socialized. I struggled with this sight. Here was a man who went to foreign soil and stared death in the face as a young boy. He did it so that we could continue living life in freedom as we know it here in the states. I'm sure there were many moments during that time in his life when he would have given anything to just be in a place of peace and safety, but he stayed the course and fulfilled his duty. No one in that enormous cafeteria had a clue that they were in the presence of a true hero. No one took note that a man two and three times their age was doing a job that usually teens take on to just make a few extra bucks. I wanted to stand up on the top of my table and shout out, "Can't you see? We've got a hero in this room!"

The next year I visited the Audie Murphy VA Hospital in San Antonio to say "hello" to some veterans being treated there. I met a man who was near the end of his life. The one thing he could still do very well was talk. He told me the story of how three ships that he was assigned to were sunk in WWII while he was on-board. The first of his ships that sank was in Pearl Harbor during the infamous attack. He inspired me and still treated me like I deserved respect. He was the one who was to be honored that day. We eventually parted and the only thing I knew to do for him was to write a song. That is the way I honored him.

These two men inspired me back then, but this song is for ALL those who stand between us and harm . . . past, present and future. They give their lives for the most noble cause . . . freedom. I hope that everyone who hears this song will be able to look beyond the controversies that are thrown in our faces everyday. I want it to help people focus on the big picture and the true purpose of patriotism. One last thing . . . if you ever meet one of these heroes and give them a simple and sincere thanks, their smile will be embedded in your heart until the day you die. That's what this song is about. Please share with anyone and everyone. It needs to be heard by the world.

Words & Music by Micah Tapp
Performed by Micah Tapp
Signed under JLAMPCO
For licensing, e-mail jlamusicpubco@mchsi.com

---------------------------

I met a man the other day
He cleaned the tables at the place I ate
Through our conversation I learned that
He fought in the Korean War

He said "goodbye" and was on his way
There were so many things I wanted to say

When he was just a boy, he left his mom and dad
And didn't know if he was coming back

[chorus]
Can't you see?
We've got a hero in this room!
Can anybody see?
He could've died for me and you!

But he returned and now he is standing here
We should all stand up and cheer

I met a man another day
He'll never leave the bed where he lays
Through our conversation I learned that
He sailed the seas in World War II

When I looked into his eyes
I saw a sparkle that was so full of life

When he was just a boy, he had to be a man
The freedom we have was molded by his hands

[repeat chorus]

But he returned and now he is laying here
And still not an ounce of fear

When he was just a boy, he gave all that he had
I'm so thankful that he made it back

[musical bridge]

Many gave their lives so that freedom could survive
Always keep watch for one of the few
There may be a hero standing next to you