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.

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, the battlefield on fire

With water, white water with those 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'd heard we'd won the war;

So, I headed back home and I waited for my reward.

Chorus


I plough 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 plough goes back and forth.
Chorus

Cape Henry, Cape Henry off of that old Virginia shore.