This song tells a story
I feel I've got to tell
Inspired by a war graves visit
Near the Dutch town of Miele
Manicured lawns were immaculate
Gravestones perfect white
Thousands on thousands in endless rows
An awe inspiring sight
The tragedy was overwhelming
Young boys barely in their teens
Life cut short in their prime
Ending youthful dreams
Amidst the eerie quietness
All self restraint was gone
The silence abruptly broken
When a solitary bell struck one
All emotions were shattered
Tears flowed like rain
The enormous tragedy of the place
Ever so clearly plain
We show respect for our fallen
It's the way it ought to be
But the irony of this story
It was a German cemetery
Wars are created by the ruling class
Whether politicians, dictators, or kings
But they're not the ones who pay the price
That modern warfare brings
It's the working masses most of all
On whom the burden falls
No matter on which side they fought
They'd never win at all.
Heroes fall on both sides
Their loss hurts just the same
Regardless for whom they fought
They're not the ones to blame.
Remember this I bid you
As you listen to this song
About a hero that is close to home
A loved one sadly gone.
Respect all those who've fallen
A duty that must be met
For now and for always
Lest we all forget.
