Old black and white photos decorating our wall
Generations of soldiers, family members all
Shadowbox of medals, purple heart, silver star
Tricorn folded funeral flag, memories of war
It’s a long gray line
The mystery of why isn’t mine
They felt the call, that’s all
The call of the long gray line
Graduation day comes. I’m standin’ tall and proud
Fingertips canted to my brow, voice clear and loud
I’ll protect and defend, I do solemnly swear
As those who came before me, my duty bear
It’s a long gray line
The mystery of why isn’t mine
I feel the call, that’s all
The call of the long gray line
The call of the long gray line
From the mountains of Afghanistan to the desert of Iraq
The rugged cliffs of Normandy, to Vietnam and back
My family’s been there in the fray from the Civil Way until today
Silent and strong we stand
It’s a long gray line
The mystery of why isn’t mine
We feel the call, that’s all
The call of the long gray line
A privilege to serve, a pull we can’t deny
Pursuing this profession, this long gray line
When I’m at the end, those who’ve gone before
Will stand there to salute me at heaven’s door
You have served well and true they’ll proudly say to me
You have stood up for duty, honor, country
It’s a long gray line
The mystery of why isn’t mine
We felt the call, that’s all
The call of the long gray line
We felt the call, that’s all
The call of the long gray line
oooooh