Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914)

Album: Odessey And Oracle (1968)
Play Video
  • A butcher yes that was my trade
    But the king's shilling is now my fee
    A butcher I may as well have stayed
    For the slaughter that I see

    And the preacher in his pulpit
    Sermon: "Go and fight, do what is right"
    But he don't have to hear these guns
    And I'll bet he sleeps at night

    And I
    And I can't stop shaking
    My hands won't stop shaking
    My arms won't stop shaking
    My mind won't stop shaking
    I want to go home
    Please let me go home
    Go home

    And I have seen a friend of mine
    Hang on the wire
    Like some rag toy
    Then in the heat the flies come down
    And cover up the boy
    And the flies come down in
    Gommecourt, Thiepval,
    Mametz Wood, and French Verdun
    If the preacher he could see those flies
    Wouldn't preach for the sound of guns

    And I
    And I can't stop shaking
    My hands won't stop shaking
    My arms won't stop shaking
    My mind won't stop shaking
    I want to go home
    Please let me go home
    Go home Writer/s: CHRIS WHITE
    Publisher: MARQUIS SONGS USA
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 3

  • Julian from Burlington, VtThe melody in the chorus of this song sounds very similar to the melody in the chorus of Another Morning by The Moody Blues. Seeing as this song was released about five months after Days of Future Passed, the album that Another Morning was on, it seems as if The Zombies were taking at least some influence from The Moody Blues, unless of course this is a complete coincidence.
  • Adam from West Palm Beach, FlDefinitely one of the most eloquent anti-war songs of the age.
  • David from Flushing, MiThe production of this song has a haunting feel to it that invokes the dark, terrifying world of WWI trench warfare. A true masterpiece but, unfortunately, not a song that would appeal to the masses as a popular hit record.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Angelo Moore of Fishbone

Angelo Moore of FishboneSongwriter Interviews

Fishbone has always enjoyed much more acclaim than popularity - Angelo might know why.

Sugarland

SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Meet the "sassy basket" with the biggest voice in country music.

Terry Jacks ("Seasons in the Sun")

Terry Jacks ("Seasons in the Sun")Songwriter Interviews

Inspired by his dear friend, "Seasons in the Sun" paid for Terry's boat, which led him away from music and into a battle with Canadian paper mills.

Dwight Twilley

Dwight TwilleySongwriter Interviews

Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.

Jimmy Jam

Jimmy JamSongwriter Interviews

The powerhouse producer behind Janet Jackson's hits talks about his Boyz II Men ballads and regrouping The Time.

Spot The Real Red Hot Chili Peppers Song Titles

Spot The Real Red Hot Chili Peppers Song TitlesMusic Quiz

The Red Hot Chili Peppers have some rather unusual song titles - see if you can spot the real ones.