Only A Memory

(album: Goodnight L.A. - 1990)

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 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 all right

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
And as he looked back he heard his mother call
Said she'd be waiting at heaven's door

Soon to be killed, left on a muddy field
And all of his thoughts were scattered just like seeds
And 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
Burn