Mobilisation [get on the war train]
On 28th June 1914 Archduke Ferdinand...
Its just me...with a bit of help from Mr Sequencer
Story behind the song
On 28th June 1914 Archduke Ferdinand of Austria was assasinated in Sarajevo, triggering a crisis in the Balkans that culminated in war. In many countries over the coming months men, and boys, flocked to enlist - often falsifying their ages to ensure that they are accepted. The authorities have no qualms about taking under-aged recruits; no documentary proof of age is required.
Three friends Ron, Percy, and Joe follow the crowd to a place of enlistment and, getting caught up in the excitement, need little encouragement to join up.
They leave in a spirit of adventure, drawing courage from each other and the thrill of departure.
Lyrics
Mobilisation
Recruiting Sgt:
Come on you lads and jump on the war train
Don't be shy boys step right up here
Bring all your mates to ride on that war train
Its a once in a lifetime Joe you've got nothing to fear
Ron Percy and Joe:
Its an adventure but it could soon be over
If we delay and we don't take our chance
Jump on the war train and ride down to Dover
And we'll be the first on that steamer to France
Recruiting Sgt:
Come on you lads get on the war train
Next stop Paris then on to Berlin
Don't want to miss out boys on a ride on that war train
Come on Percy come on Joe there are battles to win
Alf:
So they all stepped up and got on that war train
Held fast in the grip of their patriots pride
The fears remained with the families who stayed behind
But laughter hid tears as they waved them goodbye.
