Ian Hunter - Letter To Britannia From The Union Jack

Poor Britannia - drowning in your waves
With the Body of the unknown soldier and the best of the brave
I have known you ever since I was a child
How come you don`t salute me - now - when I smile

You was always so young and on all o` that money
How come new mourners pass you by and think it`s so funny
I`d be there with you but I`m chained unto this stake
For I am loyalty but my mast I cannot forsake

I looked down on a bunch of amusements, I looked down walls
I`ve looked on hangings `n parades `n city halls
And I`ve seen love in so many living rooms
And I`ve seen rich men slowly die inside their tombs

I know we`re just two charms but it`s heavy on my mind
Have faith in me I said, now, look at time
I know you`re just a victim of your history but
Have faith in me, I said and you would be free....

You pull me up and you pull me down
And when the Queen`s in residence I hang around
I don`t wave madly `cos the climate`s civilised
Just flutter sadly `cos I`m old `n I`m wise

And you-you been up, and you - you been down
You been through many things I know you been around
I have fought armies for you in the conflicts of the past
Britannia, I implore you, do not lower me by half.