In '41 you were on the ack-ack gun
Life was hard in wartime London Town
Kate and you met for an hour or two
You walked her home, then you were alone
You live, you love, and you die
In '52 the kids went to school
You pay the rent on a small bungalow
Kate and you - you climb a rung or two
But in your dreams you're kings and queens
You live, you love, and you die
Ack-ack, ack-ack boy
You little wind-up toy
Ack-ack, ack-ack boy
While the medals shine they'll shout
Ack-ack, ack-ack boy
In '63 music gave identity
Kids found an aim to live differently
Kate and you - you save a pound or two
To buy guitars - the kids play in bars
You live, you love, and you die
Ack-ack, ack-ack boy
Your mother's pride and joy
Ack-ack, ack-ack boy
While the spirit's hot they'll shout
Ack-ack, ack-ack boy
In '74 the kids are on tour
They're shooting stars - in concert halls, not bars
Kate and you - you live in luxury
The kids saw you right - they phone every night
You live, you love, and you die
In '85 you're not alive
You're just a name in the archive
Kate and you - you saw it through
But time goes by, and all those tears dry
You live, you love, and you die
Ack-ack, ack-ack boy
No memory can destroy
Ack-ack, ack-ack boy
While the poppy's worn they'll shout
Ack-ack, ack-ack boy
In dreams you're now deployed
Ack-ack, ack-ack boy
Midst visions of derring-do they'll shout
Ack-ack, ack-ack boy