I wasn’t born on VE Day
The day the nation got to play
The day my parents celebrated
With my siblings four
I wasn’t born to that next year
So I missed the cakes and the cheer
They didn’t drink so they had no beer
They just were glad of no more war
I wasn’t born to that next year
I suppose I brought them some more cheer
Though I grew up wild and drank some beer
They loved me just the same
Tales of daring filled that time
Spitfires and Hurricanes so sublime
Comic books and nursery rhymes
Set my mind aflame
My childhood memories are so sweet
Though I missed that party in the street
With the bunting and the lemonade
I’m sure some tears were shed
Not all came home to feel that bliss
A family hug, a lovers kiss
No we must remember those who missed
So a thought for them instead.
My dad he never made a fuss
Though he dodged some bullets in desert dust
Then helped to free old Italy
Before his de-mob day
His medals now I proudly keep
Locked in the room were I now sleep
Though I think of him and often weep
At things I meant to say.
Those years were hard there was no stuff
The rationing was still quite tough
No jobs for men’s dreams to fulfil
And bitter winters chill
We made it through though thanks to them
Those brave obedient trusting men
Things soon improved through toil and strain
Mums working in the mill
No I wasn’t born on VE Day
But looking back give thanks and pray
For all the good times that we shared
From that day unto now
That generation was the best
These words I must get off my chest
We truly are the ones so blessed
So all you veterans take a bow!
