Story Behind The Song

Written in 1972 as a protest song during the Vietnam War

Lyrics

CIVIL WAR SAGA - Skeet Fitzgerald January 1972

(INTRO)
I'm just a young man fighting in your war
I'm just a young man dying in your war
And you know I'd tell you everything you want to know
Just to go back home

(Verse 1)
I have seen your fires burning
If I did then so must they
And my friend they all are yearning
To put a bullet in your brain
I have seen it in their eyes
Sitting by the fire telling all their lies
Of all the men they've killed, in their time
And what of yours? And what of mine?

(Verse 2)
200 Blue are on the ridge
10,000 more are right behind
If the Gray do not surrender
Then we all are gonna die
I see the fear that's in your eyes
As you cross yourselves and look into my eyes
For any hope that's there, for your lives
And what of theirs? And what of mine?

(Verse 3 slow tempo change)
Now the drums I hear them beating
And the cannon balls are glowing
See your men they are retreating
The winds of hell are blowing
Feel the shot tear at your flesh
As you lower your eyes to look at what is left
Of the man that was, in his prime
And what of me? and what of mine?

(Outro)
I'm just a young man fighting in your war
I'm just a young man dying in your war
And you know I'd tell you anything you want to know
Just to go back home