[Instrumental Intro]

[Verse 1]
He joined up to get a job
And show he wasn't scared
All wrapped up in the Holi crap
He thought he'd be prepared
Well, at the age of 17, he was forced to choose
Now at the age of 21, he's in Catch 22
Go

[Verse 2]
He joined up for just three years
It seemed a small amount
But what they didn't tell him was
The first two didn't count
At the age of 17, how was he to know
That at the age of 21, he'd still have one to go?

[Chorus]
(Tin soldier)
He signed away his name
(Tin soldier)
No chance for cash or fame
(Tin soldier)
Well, now he knows the truth
(Tin soldier)
He signed away his youth
[Verse 3]
He joined up, 'cause dad knew right
To do right by his son
Well, now he hates and counts the dates
That mark time on square one
At the age of 17, he did what he was told
Now at the age of 21, tin still won't turn to gold

[Chorus]
(Tin soldier)
He signed away his name
(Tin soldier)
No chance for cash or fame
(Tin soldier)
Well, now he knows the truth
(Tin soldier)
He signed away his youth

[Bridge]
If at the age of 17, you fall in line too soon
Then at the age of 21, you'll still march to their tune
Hup two three four
Hup two three four
Hup two three four
Hup two three go!
[Instrumental Break]

[Outro]
(Tin soldiers)
He signed away his name
(Tin soldiers)
No chance for cash or fame
(Tin soldiers)
Well, now he knows the truth
(Tin soldiers)
He signed away his youth
(Tin soldiers)
What is he fighting for?
(Tin soldiers)
Another fuckin' war?
(Tin soldiers)
Oh no, oh no
(Tin soldiers)
Yeah

Sign away your life
Sign away your life