The Job

When you been in the business long as I been in the business

You realize evil stands close to your shadow

But because of the job and solid cops like Bob

The war’s only an everyday battle

Can’t no one know lest you’ve walked in my shoes

Lest you’ve lived in my skin

Lest you’ve dressed in my blues

How I’ve felt other’s sins

Can’t no one know lest you’ve felt others pain

Lest you’ve felt their hurt

Lest the nightmares remain

Till all feelings revert

In the dark of the night

Or in the blaze of the sun

This badge glimmers bright

and cowers to none

My badge is my symbol

of freedom and good

It represents right

from whence my beliefs stood

For all of my manhood

This badge decorates my chest

For a lifetime of service

I’ve been a cop at my best

When you been in the business long as I been in the business

You realize evil stands close to your shadow

But because of the job and solid cops like Bob

The war’s only an everyday battle

When you been in the business long as I been in the business

Your heart becomes wrapped in a shroud

Still I cry for small children, but try not to feel it

I’m a man strong, giving and proud

I live for the job

and it lives for me

Together we’re a machine

Hoping to set weaker men free

When I walk through the dark

I’ve got my hand on my gun

I hope for the worst

and maybe a few minutes of fun

Ah, you think that I’m sick

Maybe you’re right, or then, not

My addiction is to risk

It makes my senses white hot

I’ll chase you down an alley

and hope for a fight

I’ll chase you till death

If you choose that final plight

I track down the bandits

until there’s no place to hide

I rock their world

And I do it with pride

When you been in the business long as I been in the business

You can’t ignore anyone’s shadow

But because of the job or just the sound of a sob

I’m always prepared for battle

When you been in the business long as I been in the business

Your heart takes the form of granite

You see death and sorrow and hope there’s tomorrow

To fix another small piece of this planet

Can’t you understand why

I give my life to the job

Can’t you hear me cry

for a friend and sergeant named Bob

If you knew what I know

If you saw what I’ve seen