As a young man I left home bound for adventure

to serve both my country and King.

I was full of boy's spirit and strong as an ox

Afraid of not one earthly thing.

With me red coat all buttoned, I stood with me mates.

We watched as our banner unfurled.

We cheered with one voice, our small band of brothers.

And we all felt on top of the world.

So many campaigns and so many friends

have passed by since those happy days.

And I grew to know fear, and hunger, and cold

from the Sudan to far off Bombay.

I remember the deaths in the cruel Khyber Pass

when we fought back to back in the Square.

And somehow I survived that dusty blood-Hell,

But I left far too many names there.

Glory’s been fleeting like smoke in the wind

as I’ve fought hard in places unknown.

And sometimes his old soldier hopes for an end

When I’ll buy me a farm of me own.

But that’s not to be for this grizzled old boy

who had such a strong urge to roam.

Now I’m here in the mud with a round in me gut

and no hope of getting back home.

But this rifle still works and if I get a chance

I’ll get a few more if I can.

That’s all I ask for, just the strength to stand up

And go to me end like a man!

Some things I’d take back if I could I suppose.

Maybe do some things different somehow.

But I’ll soon be a walking on Fiddler’s Green

so there’s scarce time for looking back now.

It’s sure been a full life I guess I can say.

As the end comes my feelings are mixed.

Lord, just give me the strength to get to me feet

and stand with me bayonet fixed.

I can hear their cheers now as they rush toward our post

And I see their flags stream in the wind

Though they may take this day, it will not come cheap.

And they’ll know that I fought to the end.

DEFIANCE