Shelter for the Ones Who Wait

[Verse 1] I packed up my life in cardboard prayers, Changed my name on mail that never came there, Smiled through the orders, swallowed the fear, Learned how to be strong when no one was here. They hand out medals, they hand out flags, But we’re counting rent in grocery bags, Standing by scared while the sirens sing, Wondering what tomorrow’s gonna bring. [Pre-Chorus] And I’m tired of being brave for free, Tired of breaking quietly, Tired of clapping for a system That don’t clap back for me. [Chorus] I’m done being the military wife Who holds the house while they gamble with lives. How many bombs can a budget buy While our families sleep with fear inside? Use that money for shelter, use that money for care, For the ones left waiting, barely breathing air. I stood by the uniform, I stood by the fight— But I’m done being forgotten as the military wife. [Verse 2] They say “thank you for your service” But they don’t mean mine, I served in silence on the home-front line. Every deployment carved a mark in my chest, Every phone call could steal my rest. We move like ghosts from base to base, Trying to make a home in a temporary place, Kids hearing thunder and thinking it’s war, Mothers crying behind bedroom doors. [Pre-Chorus] And I’m tired of waving goodbye, Tired of asking God why, Tired of rich men making speeches While poor families pay the price. [Chorus] I’m done being the military wife Who holds the house while they gamble with lives. How many bombs can a budget buy While our families sleep with fear inside? Use that money for shelter, use that money for care, For the ones left waiting, barely breathing air. I stood by the uniform, I stood by the fight— But I’m done being forgotten as the military wife. [Bridge] Don’t tell me to be proud When I’m drowning in the cost. Don’t wrap me in a flag Then pretend I’m not lost. Don’t build another weapon While the roof caves in, Don’t call this protection When we can’t even win. Give the families housing. Give the children peace. Give the spouses something Besides anxiety. If you’ve got money for destruction, You’ve got money to repair— Start with the people Who were always standing there. [Final Chorus] I’m done being the military wife Who bleeds in the background of somebody’s pride. How many bombs can a budget buy While our babies learn to sleep through cries? Use that money for shelter, use that money for care, For the ones left waiting, terrified and bare. I stood by the uniform, I stood by the fight— But I won’t be erased as the military wife. [Outro] I loved someone who served, But I served too. And if this country wants devotion, It better learn what love is supposed to do.