The Soldier's Daughter

This is the sad but true story of the family of a young UK soldier, a “veteran” of Kosovo and Northern Ireland, currently serving in Iraq.

The tune is based upon “The General Salute” a bugle call I learned in the CCF at school.

Verse 1 - Theme 1

Five months a father, now he’s far, far away

He won’t see her grow and learn how to play

Serving Queen and country – yes that is what they say

So we, and Her Majesty, are safe for today

Theme 2

He swears to his Queen – but, oil is the “King”

And, when the bugles call

Boys must fight and girls must weep

Loudly the teardrops fall

Verse 2 - Theme 1

While Dad’s fighting overseas, Mum fights for a home

A roof for their heads – but, the places are gone

Single mums and refugees and junkies seem to come

Before a carers family – all local-born

Theme 2

The boys become men – and, what then?

Shall they ever rest in peace?

What they have seen – cannot be cleaned

Those thoughts and those dreams never cease

Verse 3 - Theme 1

Daddy is home on leave – what a change he sees!

His daughter is mobile – so fast upon her knees

Mother’s love her shelter - in a squalid B & B

Yes, he can stay with them – for extra on the fees

Theme 2

And when the day is done – can war right all wrong?

Will his medals make a safer world?

Men return - the fight goes on

Until another flag is unfurled

Verse 4 - Theme 1

Her Daddy is home now – but the memories are sore

From the fight and the plight of his family and more

He does the job he trained to do – each dangerous chore

Yet dreads the day that she may say “Dad, what was it for?”

Theme 2

The President says – the war is won

We all know the world’s undone

An eye for an eye – a life for a life

The cycle of death goes on

Verse 5 - Theme 1

Dad doesn’t stay with Mum - when back from afar

To take her to see Grandma and Grandpa

Never tells of bombs and war – never close his own front door

I’ll ask you her question “What was it for?”