The shades of red an’ white an’ blue
Mean rather more to me an’ you,
Than just parades an’ bands an’ such
And hollerin’ loud an’ talking much.
The wounds are dark and red —
All jagged-red in Blighty:
And untamed hearts are red
Where, stretching bed on bed,
Lies lax each weary head,
In Blighty.
The walls are blank and white —
All fresh and white in Blighty:
And cheeks are gaunt and white,
Where through the endless night
They fight the second fight,
In Blighty.
Outside the skies are blue —
Soft, cloud-flecked blue o'er Blighty
But clear, relentless blue
Of purpose steeled anew
Lies there revealed to you
In every eye in Blighty.
The shades of red an’ white an’ blue
Mean rather more to me an’ you,
Than just parades an’ bands an’ such
And hollerin’ loud an’ talking much.