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Four Hours

Paper Rifles
Language: English




[2014]
Lyrics & music by Billy Liar (except the chorus, which owes more than a little to the dehumanising process of late twentieth century US Army training and a certain film by Stanley Kubrick).
Album: Made To Break / Four Hours
Made To Break / Four Hours

« But.. these are human beings, unarmed civilians, sir! » The last famous words before the massacre.

Hugh Thompson shortly before the My Lai Massacre. He had turned to sergeant David Mitchell, who replied that the only way to help them was to put them out of their misery…then to second lieutenant William Calley, 1st Platoon Company C commander ..

Thompson: What's going on here, lieutenant?

Calley: This is my business.

Thompson: What is this? Who are these people?

Calley: Just following orders.

Thompson: Orders? Whose orders?

Calley: Just following...

Thompson: But, these are human beings, unarmed civilians, sir.

Calley: Look Thompson, this is my show. I'm in charge here. It ain't your concern.

Thompson: Yeah, great job.

Calley: You better get back in that chopper and mind your own business.

Thompson: You ain't heard the last of this!


Soldier
Four hours gone
We're not the only ones
Who crave the kick of white-hot lead
To lay the bastards down
Under a reddening sun

We justify the oldest crimes
through orders passed on down the line

Four years on
The iron of my youth is gone
My limbs shake in imitation of
The fear and hate we sowed
Under that reddening sun

The night hours cannot bring relief
to those who live in fear of sleep

If I die in a combat zone
Box me up and ship me home
Pin my medals to my chest
Tell my girl I did my best
I asked no questions
and bought a lie
And when all this is over
I will sing my heart out

Contributed by giorgio - 2020/7/2 - 14:30




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