Someone killed a policeman today,
And part of America died ...
A piece of our country he swore to protect
Will be buried with him at his side.
The beat that he walked was a battlefield, too,
Just as if he had gone off to war;
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half-mast,
To his name they will add a gold star.
The suspect that shot him will stand up in court,
With counsel demanding his rights,
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids,
And spend many long, lonely nights.
Yes, somebody killed a policeman today,
Maybe in your town or mine,
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,
A cop put his life on the line.
Now his ghost walks the beat on a dark city street,
And he stands at each rookie's side;
He answered the call, of himself gave his all,
And a part of America died.