JOHN LANG’S JIG
Just a Glasgow boy, through and through
Sent with all others, their duty to do
To the heat and the dust, where the pyramids rise
As a blood red sun sets in the sky...
So far from home – will it be long?
Saving your soul and singing your song
But you won’t be home for Christmas, you won’t be home again
You’ll sleep where you fall in this strange land...
You’ll sleep and the story will end
So dance John, dance, with the sun in your eyes
Sand underfoot and a gun by your side
Tilly’s at home with the boys at her knees, no shoes upon their feet...
Battle-weary, fatigued, but with heart you must fight
For the freedom to live your life just as you might
As in dreams, do you see them and keep them all safe...
So one day you will walk far away from this place...
So far from home – will it be long?
Saving your soul and singing your song
But you won’t be home for Christmas, you won’t be home again
You’ll sleep where you fall in this strange land...
You’ll sleep, but the story won’t end
So dance john, dance, with the sun in your eyes
Sand underfoot and a gun by your side
Tilly’s at home with the boys at her knees, no shoes upon their feet...
John Lang
Seaforth Highlanders
Killed in action 1918, Egypt
