The Animals' 1968 entry into the anti (Vietnam) war protest songs – choosing to sing about the priests who blessed the soldier when they left for the battle, not knowing how many and who would come back.
It was on their album The Twain Shall Meet.
Due to its unusual length, the song occupied both...
He blesses the boys as they stand in line
The smell of gun grease
And the bayonets they shine
He's there to help them all that he can
To make them feel wanted he's a good holy man
Sky pilot
Sky pilot
How high can you fly?
You'll never, never, never reach the sky
He smiles at the young soldiers
Tells them it's all right
He knows of their fear in the forthcoming fight
Soon there'll be blood and many will die
Mothers and fathers back home they will cry
Sky pilot
Sky pilot
How high can you fly?
You'll never, never, never reach the sky
He mumbles a prayer and it ends with a smile
The order is given
They move down the line
But he'll stay behind and he'll meditate
But it won't stop the bleeding or ease the hate
As the young men move out into the battle zone
He feels good, with God you're never alone
He feels tired and he lays on his bed
Hopes the men will find courage
In the words that he said
Sky pilot
Sky pilot
How high can you fly?
You'll never, never, never reach the sky
{Instrumental}
You're soldiers of God, you must understand
The fate of your country is in your young hands
May God give you strength
Do your job real well
If it all was worth it
Only time it will tell
In the morning they return
With tears in their eyes
The stench of death drifts up to the skies
A soldier so ill looks at the sky pilot
Remembers the words
"Thou shalt not kill."
Sky pilot
Sky pilot
How high can you fly?
You'll never, never, never reach the sky
Sky Pilot was written by Eric Burdon & Vic Briggs & John Weider & Barry Jenkins & Danny McCulloch.
Sky Pilot was produced by Tom Wilson.
Read the annotations!