(ian hunter)

Poor britannia - drowning in your waves
With the body of the unknown soldier and the best of the brave
I have known you ever since I was a child
How come you dont salute me - now - when I smile

You was always so young and on all o that money
How come new mourners pass you by and think its so funny
Id be there with you but Im chained unto this stake
For I am loyalty but my mast I cannot forsake

I looked down on a bunch of amusements, I looked down walls
Ive looked on hangings n parades n city halls
And Ive seen love in so many living rooms
And Ive seen rich men slowly die inside their tombs

I know were just two charms but its heavy on my mind
Have faith in me I said, now, look at time
I know youre just a victim of your history but
Have faith in me, I said and you would be free....

You pull me up and you pull me down
And when the queens in residence I hang around
I dont wave madly cos the climates civilised
Just flutter sadly cos Im old n Im wise

And you-you been up, and you - you been down
You been through many things I know you been around
I have fought armies for you in the conflicts of the past
Britannia, I implore you, do not lower me by half.