LITTLE BOY SOLDIERS – Paul Weller
Its funny how you never knew what my name was,
Our only contact was a form for the election.
These days I find that you don't listen,
These days I find that we're out of touch,
These days I find that I'm too busy,
So why the attention now you want my assistance –
what have you done for me?
You've gone and got yourself in trouble,
Now you want me to help you out.
These days I find that I can't be bothered,
These days I find that it's all too much,
To pick up a gun and shoot a stranger,
But I've got no choice so here I come – war games.
I'm up on the hills playing little boy soldiers,
Reconnaissance duty up at 5:30.
Shoot shoot shoot and kill the natives,
You're one of us and we love you for that.
Think of honour, Queen and country.
You're a blessed son of the British Empire,
God's on our side and so is Washington.
Come out on the hills with the little boy soldiers.
Come on outside – I'll sing you a lullabye,
And tell the tale of how goodness prevailed.
We ruled the world – we killed and robbed,
The fucking lot – but we don't feel bad.
It was done beneathe the flag of democracy,
You'll believe – and I do, yes I do – yes I do –
Yes I do –
These days I find that I can't be bothered,
To argue with them – well, what's the point?
Better to take your shots and drop down dead,
Then they send you home in a pine overcoat.
With a letter to your mum
Saying 'find enclosed one son, one medal' – and a note to say he won.