"Bury me with the Marines"

I've played a lot of roles in life;
I've met a lot of men,
I've done a lot of things I'd like
To think I wouldn't do again.

And though I'm young, I'm old enough,
To know someday I'll die.
I think about the great beyond,
and beside whom I would lie.

Perhaps it doesn't matter much;
Still if I had my choice,
I'd want a grave amongst Marines
when the death bell quells my voice.

I'm sick of all the hypocrisy
in lectures from the so called wise.
I'll take the men, with all their flaws,
They go, though scared, and die.

The Marines I knew were commonplace
They didn't want the war;
They fought because their fathers had and
like their father's fathers had before.

They killed, and cursed, and wept...
God knows they're easy to deride...
But bury me with men like these;
They faced the guns and died.

It's funny when you think of it,
The way we got along.
We'd come from different worlds
to live where no one belongs,

I didn't even like them all;
I'm sure they'd all agree.
Yet I would give my life for them,
I know some did for me.

So bury me with Marines, please,
Though much maligned they be.
Yes, bury me with Marines, for
I miss their company.

We'll not soon see their likes again;
We've had our fill of war.
But bury me with men like them
Till someone else does more.

Author: Unknown