Poppy With Pride
Liner notes
Sometimes I wear a poppy, sometimes I don't. This was written around the time of the (second) Gulf War, and I was horrified to see right-wing chancers on the TV wearing poppies and advocating for war. I suppose this is me getting my Eric Bogle on a bit -- I respect and honour people who've made sacrifices for their country, but I would prefer a world where they didn't have to. I don't think I've ever had the courage to play this live.There's a man on the telly and he's got a plan
To make the world safe by invading Iran
I'm quite offended but I'm not surpiresed
That he's wearing a poppy with pride
I've been to Ypres, I've been to the Somme,
Seen some of the damage done by the bombs
I've stood at gravesides and shamelessly cried
But I don't wear a poppy with pride
Not a day passes where I don't recall
The green fields of Flanders and the honour of all
The thousands of soldiers who violently died
But I don't wear a poppy with pride.
I watched the TV on Remembrance Day
MPs paying tribute the traditional way
Down at the Cenotaph flocking like geese
To bow their heads gravely and mouth the word 'Peace'
But I've got one question that I'd like replied
By those wearing a poppy with pride
Will you be mopping a tear from your cheek
When you're moving your troops around later this week?
If that's your remembrance, I'm not on your side,
And you're wearing a poppy with pride.