Those Thankless Years

If it must be done, listen son

Should no one stand to shake your hand

Here's what I learned from the fallen rank

It's a road of bones and you get no thanks

When I was young, with pockets deep

I gave a sum to a friend in need

I lost the rest to the central bank

It's a road of bones and you get no thanks

My love was caught in a winter storm

I gave my coat to keep her warm

Her eyes did close, my heart sank

It's a road of bones and you get no thanks

So if you came here for the accolades

You're a foot too short and a lifetime too late

There are no sweet words to wash your face

Or to carry you back home, unless they are your own

If it must be done, listen son

Should no one stand to shake your hand

Here's what I learned from the file and rank

It's a road of bones and you get no thanks

It's a road of bones and you get no thanks