"The Ballad Of Cape Henry" lyrics - TODD SNIDER

I served as a sailor
It was back in '81
I can't say I'm sorry
I volunteered for what I done
We trained and we waited
We would not be outdone
And then one day six battleships
Came out of the rising sun

So we all manned our stations
We passed a jug of wine
We waited with patience
We waited for a sign
First thunder, then lightning
Then the ringing in my ears
I can still hear that screaming
Even after all of these years

[Chorus:]
Cape Henry, Cape Henry
Battlefield on fire
On water, white water
With them flames climbing higher
We fired our cannon
At least two hours or more
Cape Henry, Cape Henry
Off of that old Virginia shore

Our deck was in tatters
That smoke was thick and black
For each shot they fired
We fired two right back
And then I felt my shoulder
And then something knocked me down
Yeah, the last thing I remember
Was that water all around

So, I woke up in Richmond
With a medal on my chest
And I know that I earned it
'Cause I know that I did my best
We did lose that battle
But I heard we'd won the war
So, I headed back home
And I waited for my reward

[Chorus:]
Cape Henry, Cape Henry
Battlefield on fire
On water, white water
With them flames climbing higher
We fired our cannon
At least two hours or more
Cape Henry, Cape Henry
Off of that old Virginia shore

I plowed this man's field now
From morning until night
That war took my left arm
I'm just a-working with my right
I guess I fought for the freedom
Of some richer man up north
But I still fight for something
This plow goes back and forth

[Chorus:]
Cape Henry, Cape Henry
Battlefield on fire
On water, white water
With them flames climbing higher
We fired our cannon
At least two hours or more
Cape Henry, Cape Henry
Off of that old Virginia shore
Cape Henry, Cape Henry
Off of that old Virginia shore