Call to Arms

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

Lyrics Nigel Twigg Music Mick Riddell
Performance Icshdy (Vocals)

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