Ode to War

My youth was torn apart from me
As the bullets whistled all around my ears

I saw comrades die
Whispering their last words, lying in my arms
But they didn't die in vain
For I know they’ll all be proud at home

I still remember how we marched and sang
We learnt to kill, sweated, and cried, together
More than just friends, we grew to be brothers
Oh my brothers, where have you all gone?

But I swear that I’d die for the people living under our flag
And I’ll defend my nation, even if I have to kill for it

Oh this sweet sound of screaming men
Intoning this melody I will never forget:
The cruel song of war
Oh this sweet sound of firing guns and blasting shells
This cacophony, I will never forget:
The cruel song of war

Scars, medals and nightmares are all I'm left with now
My compatriots spit on my pride
What was I really defending but the cause of wealthy old men?
Now I find myself sleeping on the street, and crying, and dying
Singing this song I will never forget:
This cruel ode to war