Story Behind The Song
Inspired by a book of letters written by soldiers on the front line during the First World War.
Song Description
Letter home to family from a soldier on the front line during WW1
Song Length |
4:17 |
Genre |
Pop - Rock, Folk - Rock |
Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
Mood |
Tense, Diplomatic |
Subject |
War, Armed Forces |
Language |
English |
Era |
2000 and later |
Lyrics
Dear Mum and Dad, from your loving son
Now the big push - has just begun,
And tomorrow, we go over, the top.
But I'm scared about the coming battle
Thoughts of death and slaughter in the fields
And I wonder when, this war will ever end
But the call to arms was loud and clear
For the king says he needs men like me
For we swore the oath and volunteered
And we answered Lord Kitchener's plea
It'll be over by Christmas you'll see
Please send Mary all my love,
Tell her we'll be meeting soon
We've done the preps and our bayonets are fixed
They say the darkest hour's before the dawn
But our comradeship will keep us going
And with God's help, we know we shall prevail
But the call to arms was loud and clear
For the king says he needs men like me
For we swore the oath and volunteered
And we answered Lord Kitchener's plea
It'll be over by Christmas you'll see
I know these letters make you fearful
But they're written in my own fair hand
And I know I'll bring you better news next time
So please try not to be downhearted
We're told that victory's in our grasp
Then I'll be home to see you all again
But the call to arms was loud and clear
For the king says he needs men like me
For we swore the oath and volunteered
And we answered Lord Kitchener's plea
It'll be over by Christmas....
(Instrumental)
But the call to arms was loud and clear
For the king says he needs men like me
For we swore the oath and volunteered
And we answered Lord Kitchener's plea
It'll be over by Christmas you'll see