He'd Send In The Army
Gang of Four · Return Gift [2005]
The family's head gives orders
In the end, what he says goes
This system's well constructed
She owes him all she gets
The army has it's uses
In times of civil crisis
'Allo boys! Seen any action?
Hey boys, seen any... action?
Pull together with your mates
Against the common enemy
The Private's not born that way
The Private's not born that way
Guns take up all his time
With no job he'd be in a mess
Wanted action, gets some in
She pays him back in the bedroom
One step down from her leader
Obeys, or is punished
Like he obeys his bosses
In the end, what he says goes
This system's well constructed
She owes him all she gets
The army has it's uses
In times of civil crisis
'Allo boys! Seen any action?
Hey boys, seen any... action?
Pull together with your mates
Against the common enemy
The Private's not born that way
The Private's not born that way
Guns take up all his time
With no job he'd be in a mess
Wanted action, gets some in
She pays him back in the bedroom
One step down from her leader
Obeys, or is punished
Like he obeys his bosses
He'd Send In The Army
From the punk rock band Gang of Four, this track exemplifies the group's signature blend of political urgency and rhythmic intensity. Released on the 2005 compilation Return Gift, the song continues the legacy established on their seminal 1982 album Brief History of the 20th Century. The recording captures the raw energy of the post-punk era, utilizing a driving beat and shouted vocals to deliver a scathing critique of military intervention and social policy. It stands as a defining piece of the band's discography, reflecting their commitment to addressing contemporary issues through aggressive musical delivery.