“You Have to Live Hard to Be Hard” is a cinematic spoken ballad based on the life of Dan Laguna—a true warrior, Special Forces Green Beret, Night Stalker pilot, and former head of Blackwater Aviation. Dan is a great personal friend to David Burnell, and his relentless example of service has deeply inspired David throughout his own life and missions. This spoken ballad was written by David for Dan, in honor of his service and his profound loss.
Told with raw reverence, this composition shares Dan’s journey from a humble beginning as the son of a wounded Korean War veteran, through decades of elite service, sacrifice, and leadership across the globe.
This is a tribute to battlefield brotherhood, the cost of duty, and the strength it takes to carry others, especially when your heart is broken. It’s about his last flight with his brother, about flying into gunfire, and about never giving up.
If you’ve ever asked what makes a hero… this ballad answers.
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