• I can see him now with his boots laced up and his dog tags shining,
    His breath runs deep, his hands are cold and our mother's crying. (Again)

    Big brother, tell me now, what did we do to make you want to leave this place?

    Death before dishonor, Marni baby,its' just my time to do what's right.
    I know it's dangerous right now, but my country needs me.
    Don't worry about me, I'll be fine, someone has to protect the family.

    My chest is tight as he picks me up and says "Marni I'll be back."
    He wouldn't lie, but this is war and he doesn't ******** know that.
    I cry "You could die tomorrow." as he puts on camo armor.
    He says sweetheart I'll be fine, that's the bottom line, just remember its-

    Death before dishonor. He said as he walked away.
    I told him to try to stay alive, he told me to behave.
    Death before dishonor, take my brother to his grave.
    Its too late to turn back now, no way to be saved.
    Death before dishonor, he tells me to be brave.

    He has our father's eyes, and our mother's strong heart.
    He tells me that everything will work out in the end.
    "You can sleep in my bed, but don't touch my guitar."
    He smiles as he says. I know he's strong but living is a-
    dying trend.

    Death before dishonor, he's telling me to be brave.
    Not worried about it, He knows he'll make it home some day.
    Death before dishonor, take my brother to his grave.
    If Mikey dies on the battle field, the world faces Marni's rage.

    He told me to behave, that he'd be home some day.
    In a flag covered casket, seems the only way.
    He told me to behave, throw the razor away.
    Marni, please be brave. Quit crying I'll be okay.

    "Marni, please quit crying." He says with a ashen face.
    I can see he's scared and he needs me to be brave.
    "I know I'll be alright, I'll be just fine, take care of this place."
    "Don't let mom be crazy, and give dad his space,"
    I asked are you doing this all to impress our father-
    Mikey, it's really hard now, and its only getting harder.
    "You just have to be a little stronger-"
    "Marni, please man up, you know the rules its-"

    Death Before Dishonor, he says as he turns to walk away,
    I told him to try to stay alive, and he tells me to behave.
    Death before dishonor, keep my brother from his grave.
    I'll do as he asks, I'll be strong, I'll do my best to be brave.

    I know he's scared so I wipe my tears and smile bright.
    I give his the bracelet I made and I touch his face and say,
    "Big brother, I'm so proud of you. I know you'll come home safe."
    He smiles and as he hugs me tight and gives me a box and walks away,

    I'm crying again because in the box is a ring that says
    Death Before Dishonor.