The Lie

If they ever tell my story
don’t let them tell the truth,
don’t let them expose the foolishness
of my poor and wasted youth

Don’t let them know what lingers
in this shamed and battered heart,
I’m an old and foolish man
And I’ve played my shameful part

Don’t let them tell the truth
it will burn in their hearts like mine,
let only me carry this burden,
trust me when I tell you I’m fine

Let me die in blissful honour
as a brave and decent man,
Say it’s best to live in ignorance
and to cover up what you can

They’ve given me medals of honour,
I’ve been praised and glorified
but there’s nothing glorious in killing a man,
nothing to be justified

If they ever tell my story
don’t let them tell the truth,
of a man who wanted adventure
but instead threw away his youth

Don’t let them tell the truth,
it will hurt them all to know
just deliver to them the lie
think nice thoughts and let me go.