[Verse 1: Sid Griffin]
Sailors and soldiers
Uniformed shoulders
They're growing older
Over the sea

[Verse 2: Billy Bragg]
Troops, are you leaving
Firmly believing
There's no reason for grieving
Over the sea?

[Bridge: Sid Griffin]
Far from the banners
Far from the glamour
Far from the planners
Who sent them to die

[Verse 3: Sid Griffin]
Herded like cattle
They head for the battle
Their rifles will rattle
Over the sea

[Verse 4: Billy Bragg]
Too young to be shaving
But the flags they are waving
For the fury they're braving
Over the sea
[Bridge: Billy Bragg, Both]
Far from the banners
Far from the glamour
Far from the planners
Who sent them to die

[Verse 5: Sid Griffin]
Proudly parading
With their medals they're laden
But their glory is fading
Over the sea

[Outro: Sid Griffin, BIlly Bragg, Both]
Sailors and soldiers
Sailors and soldiers
Sailors and soldiers
Sailors and soldiers
Sailors and soldiers
Sailors and soldiers
Sailors and soldiers
Sailors and soldiers