"My grandfather was a first generation immigrant

 from Ireland and when his father was murdered -

 that's another story - he ended up in an orphanage

 and then the army. He was a trumpet player, a  bandsman.

 He got badly wounded in the First World War and then got

 stationed in Dublin, ironically.  His story was, just

 before the  Irish uprising of 1916, his friends warned

 him to keep out of the way." 



[Musician Magazine,1989]











You're a fine one, oh yes you are
You're a fine one just like me
And we're friends now, oh wouldn't you say?
We've been friends now, oh haven't we?
Stay at home tonight 
if you know what's good for you
I can't say more it would be telling
For if you don't what will become of you
Just isn't worth any king's shilling

I will answer when they make that call, 
pull upon this ragged uniform
Up 'til now I know it's been your trade
Spit and polish the potato parade
Stay at home tonight 
if you know what's good for you
I can't say more it would be telling
For if you don't what will become of you
Just isn't worth any king's shilling

Please don't put your silly head 
in that pretty soldier's hat
You've done your duty, that's enough of that

I don't know if what I'm doing is right
I don't know if you should be forgiving
But for me it seems it means my life
While for you it could just be a living
Stay at home tonight 
if you know what's good for you
I can't say more it would be telling
For if you don't what will become of you
Just isn't worth any king's shilling

Please don't put your silly head 
in that British soldier's hat
You've done your duty that's enough of that

You're a fine one, oh yes you are
You're a fine one, just like me