The flags above my country are at half-staff once again 
And we're burying our children and their teachers and their friends 
Hey, our law enforcement got him, and he only murdered ten 
But the flags above my country are at half-staff once again 

The flags above my country are at half-staff every day 
And the folks who hold the power seem to have nothing to say 
They just send their thoughts and prayers up to protect the NRA 
So the flags above my country are at half-staff every day 

You can leave the flags at half-staff it will save us all some time 
We can skip right to the part where we say this is God's design 
As we scroll the names and faces that were cut down in their prime 

The flags above my country should be upside down today 
The risk to life and property we cannot pray away
And no good guy with a gun can stop a nation led astray 
The flags above my country should be upside down today

Lyrics: Jen Cass Music: Jan Seides

Half Staff

Bio
Dan Boyko is a seasoned musician and songwriter with a passion for creating soul-stirring melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Hailing from Hamilton, known as a Hammer Town Hellraiser, Dan's musical journey has been marked by dedication and perseverance.
Growing up in the vibrant Hamilton music scene, Dan honed his skills by jamming and gigging with local music favorites like Teenage Head, Forgotten Rebels, Calamity Jane, T.O. Joker, Spec Jennings, and Dan Dyer. During this time, he took vocal lessons from the renowned Brian Vollmer of Helix and the Diana Ropolaski School of Voice, enriching his musical journey.
After making the brave decision to pursue a career in music, Dan devoted himself to honing his skills and creating marketable songs that leave a lasting impression. Music became his true calling, and his songwriting journey has been deeply personal, reflecting his life experiences and the sacrifices made to follow his passion.
As a 50-year-old musician, Dan's dedication to his craft is evident. He has composed a collection of powerful tracks, including "Lost Cause," a soulful ballad that delves into the struggles and self-awareness of a restless spirit, and "Confessions of a Singer," a heartfelt reflection on past mistakes and the search for forgiveness. His lyrical prowess shines through in "It's All About You," a captivating ode to someone who has left an indelible mark on his heart.
Dan's musical history boasts an impressive resume. For 15 years, he toured and recorded with his band Three Ways From Sunday, releasing three full-length albums, "Toy Soldier," "South East Asia," and "Isore." The band left its mark in the Canadian music landscape, recording at prestigious studios like Grant Ave Studios and Catherine North Studios. Additionally, Dan made his mark in the heavy metal scene with the band E.O.R. (Edge of Reason), releasing "The Machine," a 9-song CD that gained popularity on college radio and numerous music websites.
In 2020, Dan's songwriting talents earned him recognition when he won a Niagara songwriting contest with his song "Scream!" This success led to collaborations with musical giants like Dirk VerBuren (Megadeth), Caleb Bingham (formerly of Five Finger Death Punch), Alessandro Medri (formerly of Figure Of Six), and producer Seth VonPaulous from the legendary LA studio "The Boutique." Together, they embarked on "The Unforgiven Album," an ambitious project featuring an off-the-floor recording approach inspired by rock legends like Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones.
Under the new moniker "Dan Boyko," he embraced a new sound that blended southern rock with country elements, coining the term "Gruntry." This undeniable new sound gave birth to captivating tracks like "Modern Day Nursery Rhyme," hailed by Sleeping Bag Studio Magazine's editor as a song that "rocks the gods."
With unforgettable vocal hooks and a powerful delivery, Dan Boyko's music resonates with audiences, leaving them in awe of the raw emotion and infectious energy. Experience the undeniable passion of Dan Boyko as he takes you on a musical journey like no other. His soulful voice, heartfelt lyrics, and the unique fusion of Gruntry solidify his place in the music scene, promising a lasting impact on the world of music.