"A Part of America Died"

"A Part of America Died"

Somebody killed a policeman today,

and a part of America died.

A piece of our country he swore to protect

will be buried with him at his side.

The suspect that shot him will stand 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.

Yes, 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 the 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.