When The Boys Come Marching Home
David Bowie · Other Songs - David Bowie
- CD single: Slow Burn + Everyone Says 'Hi' (part 3)
How to make amends for the things they said
The girls avoid the stormy sky
But I and my cloudy face
Will be gone, high-tailing out of here
Is the lights a-blazing in their lonely town?
I love the little cars at dawn
But I and my heathen heart
Will be lain upon some foreign shore
Here's the saddest Joe on the corner of the town
"Listen to the words!" he cries
I love him in his craziness, his tatters and his courage
He'll thumb his nose at the straight and true
When the boys come marching home
They'll fly his rags from the highest tree
When the boys come marching home
(when the boys come marching home)
(home, marching home)
Aching for some innocence and peace of mind
While the moon pulls up its net of souls
The sun presses down on my brave new world
But, in truth, i don't feel brave at all
Leave it all behind me to the townies and the wags
The kids who never learned to smile
While I and the cobbled nag I ride
Stumble down another weary mile
Here's to those who cluster,
Walking through the wars
The girls who never close 'til dawn
They rag upon the feeble
And they swan around the stronger
But their eyes are fixed on the edge of town
When the boys come marching home
They'll slide from view - tiny, two by two
When the boys come marching home
(home, marching home)
(home, marching home)
When the boys come marching home
(when the boys come marching home)
Boys come marching home
(home, marching home)
(home, when the boys come marching home)
(home, marching home)
(home)
(when the boys come marching home)
When The Boys Come Marching Home
David Bowie's "When The Boys Come Marching Home" stands as a poignant reflection within his extensive discography, capturing the emotional weight of return and reunion. The track aligns with the artist's broader exploration of human connection and societal shifts, often found in his work across various eras. While not one of his most commercially ubiquitous singles, the song contributes to the rich tapestry of his musical output, showcasing his ability to blend narrative storytelling with melodic sensitivity. It serves as a reminder of Bowie's versatility, moving beyond his iconic glam rock and experimental phases to address more intimate, grounded themes. This recording remains a significant piece for listeners seeking to understand the depth and range of his artistic vision.