The eighties were a tough time:
A man: Give me a hero’s welcome when I return from war
I deserve a hero’s welcome when I walk through that door.
I must have killed a thousand men, and Jesus, what a high
They have to learn their lesson – the bastards have to die.
Another man: I’ll get a hero’s welcome when I return from war
A change of clothes, a bite to eat, I’ll soon be back for more.
Then back again, and back again, until our flag flies high
On every rooftop ‘cross this land, lest fate decrees I die.
Yet another: The wise men got me in it, they can get me out again
I didn’t join up to shit myself in all this bloody rain.
Such a scandalous waste of money, I’m forever aiming high
I know nothing of my enemy, save, he wouldn’t wish to die.
CHORUS
A man: Two more weeks of combat and then a well-earned rest
You may call it dirty tactics, but we’re dealing with a pest.
We have the latest in technology to inflict the greatest pain
But it’s as well to keep in mind, these bastards are insane.
Another man: The odds are stacked against us, seems they’ve called in outside aid
As thousands die around me, thoughts of victory start to fade.
Yet the fighting will continue, we will scale new heights of pain
The weapons they’re employing are quite hideously insane.
Yet another: I’m not sure we can justify the suffering we cause
Like an uninvited party guest we crash the strangers’ wars
Yet on and on the conflict goes, youth and innocence bear the pain
At the behest of older, wiser men, who are really quite insane.
CHORUS
A man: The hands of time slow down now, just one more week to go
Is there a harder thing to do than bury friends I’ve got to know.
But morale must never falter, for the cause we chase is right.
Good comrades die about me, and still I’m made to fight.
Another man: And soon, alas, I’m homeward bound – the time it moves so fast
My brother died three days ago, he’s the youngest and the last.
But my spirit, it will never fail, for what we do is right.
In honour of their memories we’ll continue with the fight.
Yet another: Time here has no meaning, I’ve been here two thousand years
And for every wasted life that’s lost, I’ve shed a million tears.
But the saddest thing of all, my friends, you always think you’re right
And don’t those wise men know it – they will always let us fight.
CHORUS
A man: Now, thank God, the morning dawns, I’m homeward bound today
Come this time tomorrow, I’ll be a million miles away.
So get the bunting out, my boys, and some beers to sacrifice
We’ll have fourteen days of partying, two weeks of paradise.
Another man: I’ve had words with my superiors, behind the firing line
We talked for several moments, but of course the choice was mine.
With the situation worsening, my leave I’ll sacrifice
It’s the patriotic thing to do, in our quest for paradise.
Yet another: I’m going home tomorrow, please God deliver me
You promise me, I’ll promise you, my face you’ll never see.
I’ll not be for wizened men, a playful sacrifice
They’ll need to sell some other fool their promised paradise.
CHORUS
A man: Well it’s not what I expected – nor, what you said awaits
You promised me a marching band, a drink with my old mates.
You promised me a cheering crowd, yet I don’t see a soul
Just a world of empty promises when taken as a whole.
Another man: It would appear for me it’s over, and perhaps it’s for the best
My body is torn asunder and now craves a well-earned rest.
So I give my life to you Lord, will you accept this humble soul
Now I see we’re merely killing time, my mind and I are whole.
Yet another: Well I’m home, but I’ve forgotten, I’ve forgotten why I’m here
It’s strange I still feel rather frightened, although a different kind of fear.
Is it the abhorrence of my silence, I feel I sold my very soul
Or is it the feeling in my heart, dear Lord, that I’ll never be quite whole.
CHORUS:
[b][i]“Would you write upon my tombstone: Though I died, I died in vain.
And should my glorious leaders ask, I’d do it all again.
Although perhaps I’d do things differently, I would maybe change the rules
I’d have the wise men and the generals stand alongside all the fools.”[/i][/b]
[-o<
