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
The 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 alright

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
As he looked back
He heard his mother call
Said she be waiting
At Heaven's door

Soon to be killed
Left on a muddy field
All of his thoughts
Were scattered just like seed
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