Lyrics:

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