Stand fast stand fast, your head laid bare,
Take heed the ringing bell.
Pay your dues to those brave few
Who for their country fell.
No questions asked, no dissent broached,
They gave their best so willing,
And proved this Crown and Sceptred Isle
Is worthy of the Shilling.
They, the cream of a nation's age,
Who we called to perform,
Did uncomplaining march to war
And perish in the storm.
And yet now times seem trouble-free
And conflict far away,
The brasses on our gratitude
Show tarnish and decay.
How quick forgot their gallantry,
The bloodshed and the loss,
As tales of splendid bravery
Soon lose their modish gloss.
And while our leaders dredge for sludge
And question choices made,
The soldier stands his thankless watch;
Still ready, though betrayed.
So be grateful for the backbone
The Services provide.
Those lions that safeguard our shores
And bear the flag with pride.
No capricious musing, nor
Hollow fashion trend
Will ever weaken their resolve
The Colours never bend.