What's a Man's Life Worth?

I hear the music ringing in my ears that I am "Born in the USA"
The rhythm moves my feet and stirs my heart.
I don't ask why and can't say "no" because I am now
The property of the US government.

I'm glad that I'm "grown up" enough to wear this uniform
But I sure hate the idea of killing so I won't be killed.
I miss my girlfriend and the fragrance of her perfume.
How I wish I could hold her close once more.

I don't understand why everyone hates war
And yet there's always one somewhere.
All I know is I'm fighting for my country and loved ones
Who don't even know their lives are threatened.

I don't have time or energy to figure out the meaning
Or justice in what I do.
I only hope that you may know
I'm doing it for you.

I'd like to understand some things I've heard
Like why only white men are racist sexists
Or why it's okay to break the immigration laws
To provide cheap labor for someone's profit.

I can't worry now about that stuff
'Cause there's a firefight up the road.
It's hot as hell and I'm dog tired -
God, I hope I didn't just step on an IED!