Oh send me off to war with a gun in my hand But I won't pull the trigger Our destiny is here 'neath the red white and blue So lead me to the slaughter Now don't be afraid come and join the parade For the ultimate in sacrifice It's an old-fashioned story of hope and of glory A ticket for taking a life CHORUS I I don't want to be a hero I don't want to die for you I don't want to be a hero Oh send me off to war in a far away land I never knew existed Subject me to the truth to the horror and pain Until my mind is twisted And what if I fail will you put me in jail For a murder I will not commit 'Cos you don't understand till there's blood on your hands That it's time to forget and forgive REPEAT CHORUS And those who return come back only to learn That they're hated by those who they love 'Cos you don't understand till there's blood on your hands That it's time to forget and forgive