Week 5- Citizen Soldier

A piece of music that has shaped me is “Citizen Solders” by 3 Doors Down. I feel that this song has a powerful message; a message which provides me with strength and courage. It has a theme of love, family, strength, and selfless sacrifice. It inspires feelings of patriotism, loyalty, dependability, and sacrifice. The lyrics of the song are:

“Beyond the boundaries of your city's lights,
Stand the heroes waiting for your cries.
So many times you did not bring this on yourself,
When that moment finally comes,
I'll be there to help.

When there are people crying in the streets,
When they're starving for a meal to eat,
When they simply need a place to make their beds,
Right here underneath my wing,
You can rest your head.

On that day when you need your brothers and sisters to care,
I'll be right here!
Citizen soldiers holding the light for the ones that we guide from the dark of despair.
Standing on guard for the ones that we sheltered,
We'll always be ready because we will always be there...

Hope and pray that you'll never need me,
But rest assured I will not let you down.
I'll walk beside you but you may not see me,
The strongest among you may not wear a crown.

Standing on guard for the ones that we sheltered,
We'll always be ready because we will always be there.”

This song means so much to me because first of all it reminds me of the soldiers that are willing to sacrifice their lives to protect me and the freedoms of this wonderful country. It is also so meaningful to me because it talks about people who are suffering which appeals to my emotions. Then the song talks about how citizen soldiers are always there to help and provide for those who are suffering. This song speaks of bearing each other burdens and sheltering those in need of help and protection. I have always been someone that watches out for the underdog, which may be part of why this song means so much to me. “I walk beside you, but you may not see me” and “On that day that you don’t have the strength for the burden you bear, I’ll be right there” are two of my favorite lines in the song. These lines remind me of our Father, Jesus Christ. I think this song can be related to his relationship and feelings towards us. He is always watching over us, willing to help us. And even when we may not know or when we may not think he is there, he always is. He will never leave us stranded.

The first time I heard this song was when my iPod was on shuffle. I had never heard the song before, and at the beginning I thought it was just going to be another song. But as I listened to the words and message that the song contained, it quickly became one of my favorite songs.