Well he was born

His father's pride and joy

His young life scored

Before it began

Dressed up in blue

His mother's only boy

Someday this child

Would have to be a man



He went to school

Shiny and white as pearl

They did not teach

The things he should learn

Things he would need in this deceitful world

Which way to run or which way to turn



He became strong

Everyone looked to him

One of the boys

A beacon in the night

And when he spoke

People would gather in

They would stay close

He'd make them feel alright



One one precious life

Only a memory tonight

One one precious life

Only a memory to light

The years of tenderness

Make them burn bright



He wasn't scared

He had no fear at all

Said his goodbyes

And marched off to war

As he looked back

He heard his mother call

Said she be waiting

At Heaven's door



Soon to be killed

Left on a muddy field

All of his thoughts

Were scattered just like seed

He never knew

Threw up his arms and reeled

He felt no pain

His heart start to bleed



One one precious life

Only a memory tonight

One one precious life

Only a memory to light

The years of tenderness

Make them burn bright

Only a memory tonight



One one one precious life

Only a memory to light

The years of tenderness

Make them burn, burn, burn