It started off as innocent fun, a stranger in a foreign land
A boy with a gun and no name, seeks compassion with a girl in hand

When your conscience taps you on the shoulder,
You'll be a little wiser and older
Not even we can save the children of dust,
Not even we can save the children of dust,
Well not even we can save the children of dust

Task completed but you lost face,
Returning home the conquering saviour
The little girl who lives next door,
Takes a shine to your cool behaviour

A steady job and a nice clean house, part of your parents scheming
The past will always catch you out, in 'Nam a child is screaming

Youth has gone now, the past is settled, you'll pay for that night of lust
A million miles, a promise, and a child of dust