All I Want
I was writing a happy song about music and Ireland in July 2016 when five police officers were gunned down in downtown Dallas. It took me three days to be able to write anything, and this song had to come out before I could think about anything else.
Another message flashes on our squad car’s computer
Robbery, not our precinct, but the third time today
Two men, no description, could be armed and they’re driving
A late model sedan, what kind, guess, the caller couldn’t say
A few hours later, we’re pulling two guys over
They seem kinda nervous as I walk up to the door
They roll down the window, I ask for registration
Then movement in the shadows, by the glove box, what’s he reaching for?!
My mind starts racing, these days everybody’s packing
Got to get ‘em out of there, cuff ‘em just in case
That one’s built like Tyson, he could be trouble
So I pin him to the ground, my weapon pressed against his face
God, all I want, just see me home okay
To greet my family, like any other day
Kiss my son and daughter, a long hug for my wife
Yeah, God, all I want, just see me home alive
We leave the gym, our pick-up game ran over
We’ll both be late for dinner, hope our wives won’t mind
I notice a police car, but we’re only ten miles over
But then we see the lights in the mirror close behind
The cop is walking towards us, the usual dose of attitude
But he seems kinda nervous as he looks at us inside
I reach for the glove box to get my registration
Suddenly he’s yelling: “Hands where I can see ‘em, shut up, and step outside!”
What the hell’s he doing? Treating us like criminals!?
Reaching for his weapon, he screams and shoves me down
I try to ask him why, to ask him what’s his problem
Then I feel the steel against my cheek, my face pressed against the ground
God, all I want, just see me home okay
To greet my family, like any other day
Kiss my son and daughter, a long hug for my wife
Yeah, God, all I want, just see me home alive
Yeah, God, all we want, just see us home alive