When I returned everyone who'd wished me well two years ago was scared
'Freedom Fighter' is what they'd said but they don't know it was like a jail over there
I can't sleep without the screams, I can't dream without the feel of desert sun on my face
So you're leaving with the kids, claiming that for now your Mom's is just a safer place
But the only thing that got me through was knowing that
Someday I'd be coming home to you and the love that we made

Where is my parade? Where is my welcome home?
Where is my parade? Where is my welcome home?
Guess I should have stayed with the concrete and the chrome

When I got free all my friends stopped by once and never called again
Unwelcome for my sin, they 'peace' but it was like a warzone in that pen
I can't go out without the stares, I can't ask for work without the stain on my hands
So you're saying you've moved on, claiming that five years is too long to wait for a man
But the only thing that got me through was knowing that
Someday I'd be coming home to you and the love that we made

Where is my parade? Where is my welcome home?
Where is my parade? Where is my welcome home?
Guess I should have stayed with the concrete and the chrome

I should have stayed