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The Ballad of Cape Henry

 

APPEARS ON


Well I served as a sailor
It was back in '81
I can't say I'm sorry
I volunteered for what I done
We trained and we waited
But we would not be outdone
Then one day six battle ships
Came out of the rising sun

So we all manned our stations
We passed a jug of wine
We waited with patience
Waited for the sign
First thunder then lightning
Then a ringing in my ear
I can still hear that screaming
Even after all of these years

Cape Henry, Cape Henry
There's a battle field on fire
On water, white water
With them flames climbing higher
We fired our cannons
At least two hours or more
Cape Henry, Cape Henry
Off of that old Virginia shore

Our deck was in tatters
That smoke was thick and black
For each shot they fired
We fired two right back
Then I felt my shoulder
And then something knocked me down
The last I remember was that water all around

So I woke up in Richmond
With a medal on my chest
I know that I earned it
Cause I know that I did my best
We did lose that battle
But I heard we won the war
So I headed back home
And I waited for my reward

Cape Henry, Cape Henry
Battle field on fire
On water, white water
With them flames climbing higher
We fired our cannons
At least two hours or more
Cape Henry, Cape Henry
Off of that old Virginia shore

I plow this man's field now
From morning until night
That war took my left arm
I'm just working with my right
I guess I fought for the freedom
Of some richer men up north
But I still fight for something
This plow goes back and forth

Cape Henry, Cape Henry
Battle field on fire
On water, white water
With them flames climbing higher
We fired our cannons
At least two hours or more
Cape Henry, Cape Henry
Off of that old Virginia shore