Turn On a Dime

I was out in the night, just doin’ my rounds, Flashing lights on the edge of town. Rolled-up metal, twisted steel, Thought I’d help—that was the deal. We pulled him out, blood in his eyes, Too drunk to stand, too mad to cry. Then came the gun—yeah, that old chrome thing, And mercy turned into a deadly scene. They’ll cry for help, swear they need you near, But turn on a dime when their blame grows clear. You guard the line, try to do what’s right— Still they curse your name in the dead of night. Deputy looked me square in the eye, Said, “Son, this ain’t your first goodbye.” “The ones you shield from the world outside Will turn on you when truth won’t hide.” I’ve seen it in homes, I’ve seen it in war, Mothers and sons slammin’ the door. We protect the weak, uphold the peace, But justice don’t bow just to keep the peace. It ain’t betrayal—it’s just the cost, Of guardin’ hearts when lines get crossed. The hardest truth I’ve ever known, Is standin’ for peace when you stand alone. They’ll cry for help, then curse your name, When protectin’ all don’t look the same. But still you stand, against the flame— ‘Cause duty don’t change when the blame gets aimed. Turn on a dime... That’s how truth feels sometimes.