He joined up to get a job and show he wasn't scared
Swapped boy scout hat for army cap, he thought he'd be prepared
At the age of 17 he was forced to choose
At the age of 21 he's in Catch 22

He joined up for just three years, it seemed a small amount
But they didn't tell him that the first two didn't count
At the age of 17 how was he to know
That at the age of 21 he'd still have one to go?

(Chorus:)
Tin soldier, he signed away his name
Tin soldier, no chance for cash or fame
Tin soldier, now he know the truth
Tin soldier, he signed away his youth

He joined up cos Dad knew best, to do right by his son
And now he hates and counts the dates that mark time on square one
At the age of 17 he did as he was told
Now at the age of 21 tin still won't turn to gold

(Chorus)

If at the age of 17 you fall in line too soon
Then at the age of 21 you'll still march to their tune

Tin soldier, you signed away your name
Tin soldier, no chance for cash or fame
Tin soldier, you never see the truth
Tin soldier, you sign away your youth
Tin soldier, you go and join the queue
Tin soldier, do what they want you to
Tin soldier, they take away your name
Tin soldier, they treat you all the same
Sign away your life