Stiff Little Fingers - Tin Soldiers lyrics

He joined up to get a job And show he wasn't scared Swapped boy scout hat for army cap At the age of 17 he was forced to choose Now at the age of 21 he's in Catch 22 He joined up for just three years It seemed a small amount But they didn't tell him That the first two didn't count At the age of 17 how was he to know That at the age of 21 he'd still have one to go? [Chorus:] Tin soldier He signed away his name Tin soldier No chance for cash or fame Tin soldier Now he knows the truth Tin soldier He signed away his youth He joined up cos Dad knew best To do right by his son Now he hates and counts the dates That mark time on square one At the age of 17 he did as he was told Now at the age of 21 tin still won't turn to gold [Chorus] If at the age of 17 you fall in line too soon At the age of 21 you'll still march to their tune Tin soldiers You sign away your name No chance for cash or fame You never see the truth You sign away your youth You go and join the queue Do what they want you to They take away your name They treat you all the same Sign away you life