STEPHEN LOMAS: Music

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I was about 9 or 10 & my favourite uncle had invited me to march with him in the ANZAC Day parade in Sydney. I didn't go but always wished that I had. This song assumes that I did. Thanks to Bob Franke for making me write it.

I'll be wearin' my grey suit, I'll shine my shoes so bright
My mother'll starch my best white shirt & she'll choke my tie too tight.
Tomorrow I'll march with the soldiers
Keep step when the bands all play,
My Uncle Rod says he'll take me along to the march on ANZAC Day.

We'll stand the silent vigil, for a moment at the break of dawn.
Stars of the Southern Cross will pale in the rising sun.
Then that Cross will rise again, on every flag that waives
The flags will fly to fill the sky when we march on ANZAC Day.

The whole world will be watching us, as we turn by Martin Place.
Crowds will cheer every tramping step, bravely I'll keep the pace.
Rod says I can wear his medals, those colors show more than he'll say.
Just an old soldier & a little kid gonna march on ANZAC Day.

Within the din of some public bar, Rod'll join his mates for a spree.
Set me with a shandy outside on the step, & mind I wait patiently.
Voices raised in shouts & song, smell of beer, that strange decay.
The Diggers pat my head as they pass sayin' "see you on ANZAC Day."