Written by John McDermott and Eric Bogle

Somewhere between earth and heaven
the C 17 flies.
Heading westward homewards
through clean clear safe blue skies.
At the back of the airplane
lying alone
draped in his country’s flag
they’re bringing Buddy home.

Somewhere between tears and heartbreak
a lifetime’s sorrow just begun
grieving disbelieving
his parents wait to welcome home their son.
And pray for the strength somehow
to face the days ahead
While heading westward homeward
our nation’s bringing home its dead.

When the rifles fire their volley
at the word of command.
When they fold the honoured Maple Leaf
and place it in your hand.
You can cry then
and say goodbye then
Now buddy’s just a name
on a cold marble stone
and he’s never, never, never coming home.

Somewhere between fear and hatred,
the black heart of war lies.
Growing blacker stronger
with every young man who dies.
While back from the airfield
at their post in the combat zone
Buddy’s comrades wonder
who’ll be the next one going home.

When the rifles fire their volley
at the word of command
when they fold the honoured Maple Leaf
and place it in your hand.
You could cry then
and say goodbye then
For now Buddy’s just a name
on a cold marble stone
and he’s never, never, never coming home.

Reference: johnmcdermott.com