They called his name when he was 18

He couldn't wait to go

He knew that there was glory waiting, he knew all there was to know

So when they called his name he joined the line

Turned into a number, got tickets for the show

Eyes front join the line he signed his name, faded into khaki

Got seats in the front row

He knew it would be high adventure, a big pub brawl in the sun

He'd come home to a heroes welcome, he knew the time would come

But then three days forced march later through the debris of hell

All his preconceptions blown away into nightmare

Wasted numbers

So when they called his name he joined the line to do his bit for king & country

Took the shilling, sang the songs, took the tin hat and showered spirit

Got seats in the front row