John Robert Mallernee

WELCOME HOME, AMERICAN VET

Verse # 1:

The war is over.
Everyone’s gone.
It’s cold and raining
And I’m all alone.
I wish that someone
Could tell me why
Each time I close
My door and cry!

Chorus:

Hup! Two! Three! Four!
Welcome home, American vet!
We’re grateful,
But, there’s no jobs yet.
You carried the burden,
Now, shoulder the blame.
You should have stayed home
Instead of playing the game.
Go to school,
Now, here’s your check.
You gotta pay US back
If it isn’t correct.
Shut your mouth
And obey the law.
We don’t want to hear
About the things you saw.

Verse # 2:

It’s always raining.
The sun doesn’t shine.
But, I’ve come home,
So, gimme what’s mine.
Don’t leave me out
Of society’s race.
Don’t leave me behind.
All I want is my place!

Verse # 3:

It’s cold and lonely.
I feel like a fool
And it’s so useless
To be sitting in school.
With my machine gun,
I could make it all right.
I can’t get adjusted.
All I know’s how to fight!

Conclude:

The war is over.
Everyone’s gone.

Words and Music ©Copyright circa 1973 by John Robert Mallernee

Author’s Note: This song is one I hate and wish I hadn’t written, but which other Vietnam veterans always ask for. I can’t remember when I wrote it, but according to the lyrics, I was probably attending Portland State University in Portland, Oregon, in the autumn of 1973.