Henry's Songbook

The military band is playing, come see the parade
Wave and cheer our heroes as they bravely march away
This time it's not the unemployed, the workers or the poor
It's the captains of our industry marching off to war

They're marching form the boardroom, from the stately home
From the club, from the embassy we're proud to see them come
It's their turn to lift the banner, listen to the drum
Younger men must stay at home, keep the lassies warm

The millionaire director with a rifle in his hand
Is off to face the enemy to defend his native land
He likely won't be quite so fat if he comes home from war
We know that he'll fight bravely - he knows what he's fighting for

There goes the factory owner with the other wealthy men
We'll keep the wheels a-turning till they come home again
Generals order generals to march and wheel and turn
Younger men must stay at home, there's plenty to be done

And there's the politician who only yesterday
Was talking on the T.V. of the price we'd have to pay
He looks a little paler now, his words are not so fine
He's realised that he's the one whose life is on the line

So gather at the window, join the crowd and line the street
Waving to the soldiers marching to the beat
This time it's not the unemployed, the workers or the poor
It's the judges and the millionaires marching off to war

(as sung by Hamish Imlach)

[1987:] Malvina Reynolds' original idea was so good that I felt it could bear some more verses and a more martial tune. (Notes Rod Sinclair, 'When the Cock Crows')

[1989:] Fat people normally have to be pacifists because we're easy to hit and can't run fast. I love this song because of the idea that if there has to be war it should only be millionaires, politicians and generals - and all the rest could watch it on TV. Would be better than any football! (Hamish Imlach, intro 'Portrait')