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 fallen rank It's a road of bones and you get no thanks It's a road of bones and you get no thanks