War

Once I was a farmer
Now I am a soldier,
Once I had a plough
Now I have a sword.

Once I rode a carthorse
Now I ride a warhorse,
Once I had a family
Now I have the army.

Do or die but don't ask why
This is a soldier's duty
Do and die but never know why
This is a soldier's fate.

I've killed for my king
And I've killed for my God.
I'll die for my King
And I'll die for my God.

I do not know the names
Of the men that I've killed,
When my time comes
My slayer shall not know mine.

Do or die but wonder why
This is a soldier's question,
Do and die never asking why
This is how a soldier falls.

I've done many wrongs
But I shall not be punished,
I have killed and plundered
And then I'll be rewarded.

In the heat of battle
I feel true joy,
When it is over
I try to hide the tears.

Do or die I ask you why?
This is the Wife's lament,
Do and die forgetting why
This is how our country cares.