Eric Bogle Dedication Day
August in Mildura, and winters on the run, G D C D there?s an early taste of springtime, in the warm mid-morning sun. G D C As the men marched past from first to last, the crowds cheer everyone, Am D Am D G and war seems somehow very far away, on this sunny dedication day.
G D C They marched to a memorial, built by and for their own, G D C D a simple wall of remembrance of brick and steel and stone. G D C With the names inscribed of those that died and to those that had made it home, Am D Am D G with a debt of love and honor to repay, had all gathered there on dedication day.
Chorus
G D C It?s dedication day, G D C It?s dedication day.
Verse 2 G D C There was a concert held that evening me and others sang our songs, G D C D while the boys drank beer and reminisced, laughed and clapped and sang along. G D C As I was standing there with my guitar, just waiting to go on, Am D Am D G a man grabbed my arm and said please would you play a, song for my mate Hans this dedication day.
Verse 3 G D C He asked me to sing welcome home, and I saw tears in his eyes, G D C D I knew there was a story there, but I did not want to pry. G D C And then he said to me, I want that song you see, for this morning my mate died, Am D Am D G faced with his grief there was nothing I could say, so I sang for Hans on dedication day.
Chorus G D C It?s dedication day G D C It?s dedication day
(Piano solo)
Verse 4 G D C They say that Hans took his own life, but I don?t know if that?s true, G D C D but if it is that?s no surprise, too many Vietnam vetrans do. G D C Only those who were there, can know the despair and the pain that he went through, Am D Am G for who can understand it more than they, those who knew the cost of dedication day
Verse 5 G D C Though that Asian wars long over, there still burying their dead G D C D yet somehow the bond grows stronger, with each broken thread G D C What poison stole and two hands sold to taint the years ahead Am D Am D G In that war so long ago and far away until they died of wounds on dedication day.
G D C G D C
Chorus
G D C It's dedication day G D C It's dedication day
(Repeat until fade out)
