We were 50 strong when we left our town
We took a train to the port
On the boat across we were 48
2 in the magistrates court
2 didn't get past the customs men
3 got drunk in the hold
4 got homesick straight-away
1 pair of feet got cold
Raising the flag, wild without regrets
Waving scarfs, singing hard, wearing our rosettes
The riot squad had a team of dogs
And they'd called up the water hose
We declared a war, and fought to a draw
For the glory of the rose
1 went down in a stumble
2 went into the sea
3 got scared and messed right there
1 of them was me
Raising the flag, wild without regrets
Waving scarfs, singing hard, wearing our rosettes
Run rabbit run with the pack
Better not look down better not look back
The day you turn will be the day you learn
The lie in the Union Jack
Matchday came, and we saw the game
they took us on at the gates
I caught the hammering of my life
At the hands of a heavyweight
I dreamed I heard a distant drum
Beat a requiem Someone's gained, someone's stained
Us, or was it them?
Raising the flags, wild without regrets
Waving scarfs, drinking hard, wearing our rosettes
Dress him in the flag, send him our regrets
Wear a scarf on his behalf, wearing our rosettes
Raising the flag, wild without regrets
Waving scarfs, singing hard, wearing our rosettes