Paddy’s Shield

Verse 1

Battlefield where strong men yield but Paddy’s Shield was there, four times, to save

Bureaucracy continues to deny due honour for the brave!

Polished floors, down corridors, behind lock’ doors the coward with a pen

Sat thinking how the hero, who stood tall, had made him feel so small…

Chorus 1

Paddy Mayne, you’d not have cared for their game

Shame on the fools, as they break their own rules

For valour knows itself - no need for more

Verse 2

Two small scratches replaced letters “V” and “C”, a twisted a word or two

Brought satisfaction to a mind so mean, a liar through and through!

Moved by envy for the hero’s deed and spiteful grudge he held for Mayne

Top brass, by now long-gone, they did not know the change was in their name…

Chorus 2

Paddy Mayne, you’d not have cared for their game,

Shame on the fools, as they break their own rules

For envy knows itself – no need for more

Verse 3

Rage and courage, fortune’s ally, scatter dangers, make them disappear

To pluck the wounded from the jaws of death, spit out the taste of fear!

Like the water under many far-off bridges, memories have flowed

Yet some care more than we of an award deserved but not conferred…

Chorus 3

Paddy Mayne, you’d not have cared for their game

Shame on the fools, as they break their own rules

For justice knows itself – no need for more

Verse 4

That old shameful game of hide-and-seek with truth now, bring it to an end

King George’s heartfelt wish the world will know. Successor shall bestow!

Those who counsel: let them not forget, nor petty policy restrain

The honour to his name is still the same as all those years ago…

Chorus 4

Paddy Mayne, you’d not have cared for their game

Shame on the fools, as they break their own rules

For honour knows itself - no need for more

Yes, honour knows itself - no need for more.