Salute

This track comes from Aaron's military service — Air Force enlisted, Army Infantry officer, DoD civilian at SPAWAR/NIWC. It tackles A tribute to everyone who served, the weight of the uniform, and the pride that never fades even after you take it off. The lyrics get specific — "Magic Unicorn was named for something rare and true" — because personal tracks on Majik's are personal for real, not performatively. The cinematic production matches the energy of the confession. It hits solemn and powerful, in that order. Every personal track in the catalogue comes from a real moment, a real feeling, a real person. This one is no exception.

[verse 1] I don't wear the uniform but it still wears me Every time I see the flag it's hard to breathe Not from weakness, from the weight of what it means Every sailor, soldier, name sewn into the seams Aaron Stransky, E-nothing to whatever I became The rank is gone but the mission stays the same Serve the people, serve the purpose, serve the cause A veteran don't retire, a veteran just evolves [chorus] Salute to every hand that ever raised Salute to every night spent in a haze Of duty, honor, courage running deep Salute to promises we'll always keep [verse 2] Now I serve through technology, a different kind of fight Building tools that lift the people, shining digital light Magic Unicorn was named for something rare and true Just like the oath I took, I'm seeing it all through DoD civilian now, still in the arena Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, process getting cleaner A-A-Ron found a way to keep the mission lit Different battlefield but I'll never quit [chorus] Salute to every hand that ever raised Salute to every night spent in a haze Of duty, honor, courage running deep Salute to promises we'll always keep [bridge] To the ones who didn't make it home Your sacrifice is carved in stone I build in honor of your name And nothing will ever be the same [chorus] Salute to every hand that ever raised Salute to every night spent in a haze Of duty, honor, courage running deep Salute to promises we'll always keep [outro] Hand over heart Now and forever Salute