home of the terrified

Home Of The Terrified

Ben Platt

Updated on May 31, 2024

Been thinking that it might be nice
To see myself in someone’s eyes
A little spitting image God could show me
I’m not the best at staying calm
But I think I could handle almost
Every twisting curveball he could throw me

I could choose what he wears, comb his hair and brush his teeth
Pack his lunch and check his homework for the week
Make sure his shoes are tied and say it’s time to go
Drive real slow, pull up and park
I just couldn’t let him get out of the car

In the land of the free and the home of the terrified
They’re thrown to the wolves in the name of the red and white
Don’t know if I’m built for that pray-that-he-gets-lucky life
Of holding tight and waiting by the phone
And hoping he comes home

I couldn’t stop him getting sad
Or bundle him in bubble wrap
I’d try to help him keep his heart wide open
I’d teach him how to bend and sway
That people leave and seasons change
But how could I explain a world that’s broken?

I could take all his friends to a film and buy them seats
Give him money for the popcorn and the sweets
Make sure he brings a coat in case he gets too cold
Drive real slow, pull up and park
I just couldn’t let him get out of the car

In the land of the free and the home of the terrified
They’re thrown to the wolves in the name of the red and white
Don’t know if I’m built for that pray-that-he-gets-lucky life
Of holding tight and waiting by the phone
And hoping he comes home

It turns my stomach, breaks my heart
What happens in our own backyard
No blessing in the lesson we keep learning
Before it’s time to pick your name
Oh, I believe the winds can change
And I could drop you off without a worry

In the land of the free and the home of the terrified
They’re thrown to the wolves in the name of the red and white
‘Cause no one is built for that pray-that-he-gets-lucky life
Of holding tight and waiting by the phone
And hoping he comes home