He joined up to get a job and show he wasn't scared

Swapped boy scout hat for army cap, he thought he'd be prepared

At the age of 17 he was forced to choose

At the age of 21 he's in Catch 22



He joined up for just three years, it seemed a small amount

But they didn't tell him that the first two didn't count

At the age of 17 how was he to know

That at the age of 21 he'd still have one to go?



(Chorus:)

Tin soldier, he signed away his name

Tin soldier, no chance for cash or fame

Tin soldier, now he know the truth

Tin soldier, he signed away his youth



He joined up cos Dad knew best, to do right by his son

And now he hates and counts the dates that mark time on square one

At the age of 17 he did as he was told

Now at the age of 21 tin still won't turn to gold



(Chorus)



If at the age of 17 you fall in line too soon

Then at the age of 21 you'll still march to their tune



Tin soldier, you signed away your name

Tin soldier, no chance for cash or fame

Tin soldier, you never see the truth

Tin soldier, you sign away your youth

Tin soldier, you go and join the queue

Tin soldier, do what they want you to

Tin soldier, they take away your name

Tin soldier, they treat you all the same

Sign away your life