Only a Memory

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 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 all right

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

And as he looked back he heard his mother call

Said she'd be waiting at heaven's door

Soon to be killed, left on a muddy field

And all of his thoughts were scattered just like seeds

And 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

Burn