[Verse 1]
For whom the bells toll
When sentenced to die
The stuttering rifles
Will stifle the cry
The monstrous anger
The fear's rapid rattle
A desert inferno
Kids dying like cattle

[Chorus 1]
Don't tell me
We're not prepared
I've seen today's marine
He's eighteen and he's eager
He can be quite mean

[Verse 2]
No mock'ries for them
No prayers or bells
The demented choirs
The wailing of shells
The boys holding candles
On traveled roads
The fear spreads like fire
Shrapnel explodes
[Chorus 2]
I think it's wrong
To conscript our youth
Against their will
When plenty of our citizenry
Really like to kill

[Instrumental Bridge]

[Verse 3]
What sign posts will lead
To Armageddon's fires
What bugles will call them
From crowded grey shires
The women sit quiet
With death on their minds
A slow dusk descending
The drawing of blinds

[Chorus 3/ Outro]
Make the hunters all line up
It's their idea of fun
And let those be forgiven
Who never owned a gun
Was it him or me
Or the wailing of the dead?
The laughing soldiers
Cast their lots
And you can cut the dread