It's coming any day now, said the captain

It's coming any day now, cried the priest

The people in high places may defend you

But son you better hope they keep the peace



Can't you hear them calling

Can't you see them shine

The city halls are falling

The defenders drink their wine

And when the party's over

Their stomachs start to sag

Defenders, defenders of the flag



The congregation's waiting at the altar

They can't find the preacher anywhere

They found him with the new girl from the choir

Where they store the boxes of the book of prayer



If these guys are the good ones

I don't want to know the bad

You wonder how it happened

They just picked it up from dad

While faded old glory is hanging like a rag

Defenders, defenders of the flag



The flag is flying high over the courthouse

The wheels of justice never stood a chance

The judge is down at Charlie's on his lunch hour

Checking out the picture show from France



Carrying a fifth of whiskey

In a dirty paper bag

Threw the ball to home

But they always missed the tag

Faded old glory, hanging like a rag

Defenders, defenders of the flag