Historical version 2 — current version | history

Redshirt
Words and music by Terence Chua © 2001


He was just one more name in the story
He was just one more face in the crowd
There were no laurels waiting, no praises or glory
For this silent, this valiant, this proud

You didn't know where he had come from
You didn't know what dreams he dreamed
He was just one more crewman of hundreds to choose from
No one asked if he was more than he seemed

	Call him redshirt, walking target or nine kinds of cannon fodder
	But he did his duty by his Captain and crew
	Though he lies in the dust, never question his honor
	For he was once a hero for you

		Did he have a lover or someone to hold?
		A warm wish to guard him when the seasons run cold?
		Did he laugh - did he cry - did he know he would die
		On this alien shore all alone?

There are those who will live on in legend
There are those who are destined for fame
But the price to be paid often goes unimagined
And we can't put the faces to names

So although we may seek out adventure
We must always keep counting the cost
We must never forget all we have is each other
And remember the ones who are lost

		Did he have a lover or someone to hold?
		A warm wish to guard him when the seasons run cold?
		Did he laugh - did he cry - did he know he would die
		On this alien shore all alone?

	Call him redshirt, walking target or nine kinds of cannon fodder
	But he did his duty by his Captain and crew
	Though he lies in the dust, never question his honor
	For he was once a hero for you