I'm just an ageing drummer boy
And in the wars i used to play
And i've called the tune
To many a torture session
Now they say i am a war criminal
And i'm fading away
Father please hear my confession

I have legalised robbery
Called it belief
I have run with the money
And hid like a thief
I have re-written history
With my armies and my crooks
Invented memories
I did burn all the books
And i can still hear his laughter
And i can still hear his song
The man's too big
The man's too strong

Well i have tried to be meek
And i have tried to be mild
But i spat like a woman
And sulked like a child
I have lived behind walls
That have made me alone
Striven for peace
Which i never have known
And i can still hear his laughter
And i can still hear his song
The man's too big
The man's too strong

Well the sun rose on the courtyard
And they all did hear him say
'you always were a judas
But i got you anyway
You may have got your silver
But i swear upon my life
Your sister gave me diamonds
And i gave them to your wife'
Oh father please help me
For i have done wrong
The man's too big
The man's too strong