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