The Ballad Of Cape Henry

(album: Peace Queer - 2008)

I served as a sailor; it was back in '81
I can't say I'm sorry; I volunteered for what I done
We trained and we waited; we would not be outdone
Then one day six battleships came out of the rising sun

So we all manned our stations. We passed a jug of wine
We waited with patience; we waited for a sign
First thunder, then lightning, then the ringing in my ears
I can still hear that screaming, even after all of these years

Cape Henry, Cape Henry, the battlefield's on fire
With water, white water with those flames climbing higher
We fired our cannon at least two hours or more
Cape Henry, Cape Henry off of that old Virginia shore

Our deck was in tatters. That smoke was thick and Black
For each shot they fired we fired two right back
And then I felt my shoulder, and then something knocked me down

Yeah, the last thing I remember was that water all around

So, I woke up in Richmond with a medal on my chest
And I know that I earned it 'cause I know that I did my best
We did lose that battle, but I'd hear we'd won the war
So, I headed back home and I waited for my reward

I plough this man's field now from morning until night
That war took my left arm; I'm just a-working with my right
I guess I fought for the freedom of some richer man up north
But I still fight for something. This plough goes back and forth

Cape Henry, Cape Henry off of that old Virginia shore