He joined up to get a job

And show he wasn't scared

Swapped boy scout hat for army cap

At the age of 17 he was forced to choose

Now 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 knows the truth

Tin soldier

He signed away his youth



He joined up cos Dad knew best

To do right by his son

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

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



Tin soldiers

You sign away your name

No chance for cash or fame

You never see the truth

You sign away your youth

You go and join the queue

Do what they want you to

They take away your name

They treat you all the same

Sign away you life