Thankless Job

I got a thankless job, a thankless job.
They don't pay me enough to get killed
On these mean streets after dark
While drug deals go down in the park
And in front of every "convenience store."
What's it convenient for? I think we all know.
If I fall then I'm a "hero." Well, to me that means zero!
They'll put my name on some plaque or memorial wall.
Consolation's pretty small: a permanent vacation.
But if things happen the other way and I survive
Some hulking psychopath 
Who makes me the target of his wrath.
How the hell do I know why he's reaching into his pocket?
The media puts out some photograph of the deceased
Smiling and all innocent-looking; just the perfect picture of Mama's Boy!
Forget his mug shot. 
I have a mama, too, and a wife and kids who
Pray every day that I put on that badge and strap on that gun.
I'm not going out there to have fun!
In the end, my friend, the only thing that separates a villain from a martyr
Is who lives and who dies.