Somebody killed a policeman today

And a 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 new rookie's side;

He answered the call… of himself gave his all,

And a part of America died…

Author Unknown