I Never Knew His Name - Linda Eder

I never knew his name, as he called to me

Pleading with his eyes, suddenly so wise

Trying not to cry

Now he’s gone and I never knew his name

I’ve seen his kind before rising to his fall

God, he was so young like a song half sung

Interrupted by someone just as shy

Who never knew his name

The true cost of honor is suddenly too clear

It measures too full and dear

He always looks the same dressed in blue or gray

All the life he’ll miss, girls he’ll never kiss

Things he’ll never try

Unaware that I never knew his name

I never knew his name, guess it’s just as well

So I do my part, hiding from my heart

Whispering goodbye

Thanking God that I never knew his name