What's Left of the Flag

Album: Drunken Lullabies (2002)
Play Video
  • His eyes they close and his last breath spoke
    He had seen all to be seen
    A life once full
    Now an empty vase
    Wilt the blossoms on his early grave

    Walk away me boy walk away me boy
    And my morning we'll be free
    Wipe that golden tear from your mother dear
    And raise what's left of the flag for me

    Then the rosary beads count to one, two, three
    Fell apart as they hit the floor
    In a garb of black we must pay respect
    To the color we were born to mourn
    Walk away me boys walk away me boys
    And my morning we'll be free
    Wipe that golden tear from your mother dear
    And raise what's left of the flag for me

    In a spiked ruin an angry festered wound
    Full of hatred and remorse
    Where I pick and scratch at the blooded mess
    Silent rage that now fills my lungs
    For there are many ways to kill a man they say
    With bayonet, axe or sword
    But son a bullet fired from a shapeless gun
    Just put the shell of a thompson gun

    Walk away me boys walk away me boys
    And by morning we'll be free
    Wipe that golden tear from your mother dear
    And raise what's left of the flag for me

    From the east out to the western shore
    Where many men and many more will fall
    But no angel flies with me tonight
    Though freedom reigns on all
    And curse the name for which we slaved our days
    So every men chose kingdom come

    But sure as night turns day it's the fashion play
    Oh my god what have they done
    With madmen rage well the dogged craze
    But the dead rise again you fools

    Walk away me boys walk away me boys
    And my morning we'll be free
    Wipe that golden tear from your mother dear
    And raise what's left of the flag for me

    Walk away me boys walk away me boys
    And my morning we'll be free
    Wipe that golden tear from your mother dear
    And raise what's left of the flag for me Writer/s: Bridget A Regan, David R King, Dennis Casey, George Edward Schwindt, Matthew A Hensley, Nathen Maxwell, Robert Anthony Schmidt
    Publisher: BMG Rights Management
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 2

  • Stuart from Upper Hutt, New ZealandI think the Violence you are talking about is the fight between the Irish and the British. The British also used the Thompson gun
  • Abram from Fairfield, VtThe song also references the racial violence between Italians and Irish during the early stages of American immigration. The lyric which references "the shell of a Thompson gun" directly refers to the Italian Mafia, who's iconic weapon of choice was indeed a Thompson, or "Tommy" gun.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.

Zac Hanson

Zac HansonSongwriter Interviews

Zac tells the story of Hanson's massive hit "MMMbop," and talks about how brotherly bonds effect their music.

Maxi Priest

Maxi PriestSongwriter Interviews

The British reggae legend tells the story of his #1 hit "Close To You," talks about his groundbreaking Shabba Ranks collaboration "Housecall," and discusses his latest project with Robin Trower.

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New York

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New YorkSong Writing

Can you be married in one country but not another? Only if you're part of a gay couple. One of the first famous singers to come out as a lesbian, Janis wrote a song about it.

Graham Parker

Graham ParkerSongwriter Interviews

When Judd Apatow needed under-appreciated rockers for his Knocked Up sequel, he immediately thought of Parker, who just happened to be getting his band The Rumour back together.

Chad Channing (Nirvana, Before Cars)

Chad Channing (Nirvana, Before Cars)Songwriter Interviews

Chad tells tales from his time as drummer for Nirvana, and talks about his group Before Cars.