Soldier Boy

Somewhere very far away
A child will learn to kill today
Before he's evenin his teens
Transformed into a war machine
Instead of toys, they'll give him guns
And teach him how to kill and run
Instead of love they'll give him hate
And teach him to reciprocate

Chorus
Soldier boy, Oh soldier boy
They've robbed you of your innocence
Replaced with a warrior's pride.
Soldier boy, Oh soldier boy
After all the violence
Are you still a child inside?

A child should play, should go to school
But he'll be learning different rules.
His games will be of life and death
You win, you take another breath.
He'll be used to kill old friends
Maybe even his own kin.

Ancient rivals, tribal wars

Children used to settle scores

Chorus
Soldier boy, Oh soldier boy
They've robbed you of your innocence

Replaced with a warrior's pride.

Soldier boy, Oh soldier boy

After all the violence

Does a child still live inside?

And tell me now where can he go
When he has had his fill of war
His family will not accept
The things he's done they won't forget
A child is born, another dies
Leaders all have alibis.

Mothers weep and fathers mourn

And wish their sons were never born.

Chorus

Soldier boy, Oh soldier boy

They've robbed you of your innocence

Replaced with a warrior's pride.

Soldier boy, Oh soldier boy

After all the violence

Can a child still live inside?