Memories

A song on the radio, an old film on TV A black and white snapshot of a school friend and me
Start a trip of nostalgia, the memories flood in
Sunday night pictures then quite a sin.
Our hair up in sweeps, we thought we were great
We larked with the boys and hoped for a date.
The shelters and gas masks we took in our stride,
With torch in the blackout we clung side by side.
We grew and matured throughout the war years,
We laughed and were happy in spite of the tears.
The Americans came, the town was alive,
Saturday dances learning to jive.
To Glen Miller music with GI Joe,
Not too late home tho' 'cos mum didn't know.
We fell in love easily with the stars on the screen
As they fought their wars and flew their machines.
A trip up to town on the workman's train,
With precious coupons somehow obtained.
A blouse or a skirt was quite a treat,
We didn't have a Carnaby Street.
I see the devastation of London town
The various uniforms milling around.
The Black Watch in their beautiful kilts,
The Poles, the Free French, their berets a-tilt.
The wail of the sirens, saying beware,
A plane caught in a searchlight high in the air
The victory parade along our high street
The joy and relief of each one we'd meet.
We went to church to give our thanks,
All religions joining ranks
Protestant, Catholic and Jew, we all sat together in the same pew
These are the things that I recall,
Which I wouldn't swap for anything at all.