Nobody Dies In Vain

Music and Lyrics by David Fowler

Arranged and performed by Echo Movement

Behind the Song
Well...Paul was my next-door neighbor for a two-year run at Ball State University. He was killed by a sniper in Iraq while breaking up a riot at a gas station.

Seth was Ed's childhood friend from Northern NJ. He was killed in Iraq while disarming a road mine.

I don't have much else to say about these guys, but I will say they did not die in vain. They contributed to The States' armed forces, as part of a movement to stop people from infringing on our way of life. Beyond that, we love them for who they are...personable, bright, selfless people.

Cool Facts
Paul was a Staff Sgt. Seth was a Second Lieutenant. Both were in the US Army.

Paul wasn't a war-junkie or advocate of violence. From what we gathered, he spent much of his time overseas helping the children, getting them toys and gaining their trust as a good human.

Seth's mother was arrested for actively protesting during a Laura Bush speech. She became somewhat iconic in campaigns against W's second term.

Ed wrote the chord progression and lead guitar line. Dan performed the classical guitar. Dave wrote the lyrics and wrote/sung the middle section's background vocals.

The middle vocal section is written to Paul and Seth. The last verse is written to their families, particularly their moms.

To be clear about the last line of the song, the family is presented with a flag at a military burial ceremony.

Key Phrase
"You gave them your love and they returned a flag."

Music and Lyrics (chords over lyrics)
[Am G Dm]
Paul was my neighbor in college
Indiana sun who was born to run
He always was the one to acknowledge
The jobs at hand that got to get done
The Army shipped him out to exploit this
Indiana man in the desert sun
One day he was just minding his business
He fell to the ground from a sniper round

Sacrificed everything

Seth was the responsible friend
The type of guy who studied on Friday night
He always was the buddy who would lend
An extra helping hand to see you're alright
The Army shipped him out to exploit this
He dutifully agreed to help defend
He gave one more kiss to his new wife
...

Sacrificed everything
But nobody dies in vain

C Bdim
Your mom stood there
Am
Exhausted all her tears
Dm Am Fm G
She's looking in silent panic
C Bdim
Her face, worn thin
Am
Can't hide the fear within
Dm Am Fm G
Her trust in her god's fading

Shock will eventually yield to
Broken, bitter thoughts and a soul to drag
Nothing could completely heal you
You gave them your love and they returned a flag