Poppy Fields

Lest we forget the tragic tale The quagmire fields of Passchendaele Slow rain fell and the wounded drowned Bayonets fixed for everyone Douglas Haig's new stratagem Over the top once more, glory bound Sacrifices under fire, virgin boys left screaming on the wire With staring eyes they died alone I'm sorry but your son's not coming home When the lights are switched off over Europe Blackened hearts can not be reconciled Can you promise me that their souls run free Whilst the poppy fields of Gaul are growing wild Turn your mind to another scene The river Somme, 1916 60,000 fell on the first day Twelve times that and more besides Obediently lost their lives And Douglas got a knighthood for his pains Deceived that they would leave their mark Virgin boys left dying in the dark The home fires burning for the boys Shipped back home with nerves and minds destroyed When the lights are switched off over Europe Blackened hearts can not be reconciled Can you promise me that their souls run free Whilst the poppy fields of Gaul are growing wild