Good Body Every Morning!

Hi guys & gals(that ages me for a start!).This is first time on this forum but I am at a loss where to go otherwise.I am looking for a single I was given in the 70's that I have lost in my many moves around the uk.
I don't think it was on general release as,at the time it wasn't considered pc(before pc was invented)I can't remember who sang it but I think it may have been called 'The Soldier' or just 'Soldier'.
It was based on a true story of a british soldier in Northern Ireland who saved civilians lives in a train station by diving on to a grenade that had been thrown through the window.He was posthumously awarded the George Cross for bravery.The lyrics I remember are;"In a station in a city,a british soldier stood.Talking to the people there,if the people would.Some just stared in hatred,while others turned in pain and the lonely british soldier wished he was back home again.CHORUS;Come join the british army said the posters in his town,see the world and have your fun,come serve before the crown.For the jobs were hard to come by and he could not face the dole,so he took his country's shilling and enlisted on the roll." There are other bits I remember but if you know the song,you'll recognise it from that.Any help would be greatly appreciated.Many thanks in advance,Bluebedouin.

I think that the song is “Soldier” by Harvey Andrews.

Soldier - Harvey Andrews

In a station in the city a British soldier stood
Talking to the people there if the people would
Some just stared in hatred, and others turned in pain
And the lonely British soldier wished he was back home again

Come join the British Army! said the posters in his town
See the world and have your fun come serve before the Crown
The jobs were hard to come by and he could not face the dole
So he took his country's shilling and enlisted on the roll

For there was no fear of fighting, the Empire long was lost
Just ten years in the army getting paid for being bossed
Then leave a man experienced a man who's made the grade
A medal and a pension some mem'ries and a trade

Then came the call for Ireland as the call had come before
Another bloody chapter in an endless civil war
The priests they stood on both sides the priests they stood behind
Another fight in Jesus's name the blind against the blind

The soldier stood between them between the whistling stones
And then the broken bottles that led to broken bonmes
The petrol bombs that burnt his hands the nails that pierced his skin
And wished that he had stayed at home surrounded by his kin

The station filled with people the soldier soon was bored
But better in the station than where the people warred
The room filled up with mothers with daughters and with sons
Who stared with itchy fingers at the soldier and his gun

A yell of fear a screech of brakes the shattering of glass
The window of the station broke to let the package pass
A scream came from the mothers as they ran towards the door
Dragging their children crying from the bomb upon the floor

The soldier stood and could not move his gun he could not use
He knew the bomb had seconds and not minutes on the fuse
He could not run and pick it up and throw it in the street
There were far too many people there too many running feet

Take cover! yelled the soldier, Take cover for your lives
And the Irishmen threw down their young and stood before their wives
They turned towards the soldier their eyes alive with fear
For God's sake save our children or they'll end their short lives here

The soldier moved towards the bomb his stomach like a stone
Why was this his battle God why was he alone
He lay down on the package and he murmured one farewell
To those at home in England to those he loved so well

He saw the sights of summer felt the wind upon his brow
The young girls in the city parks how precious were they now
The soaring of the swallow the beauty of the swan
The music of the turning world so soon would it be gone

A muffled soft explosion and the room began to quake
The soldier blown across the floor his blood a crimson lake
There was no time to cry or shout there was no time to moan
And they turned their children's faces from the blood and from the bones

The crowd outside soon gathered and the ambulances came
To carry off the body of a pawn lost in the game
And the crowd they clapped and cheered and they sang their rebel song
One soldier less to interfere where he did not belong

And will the children growing up learn at their mothers' knees
The story of the soldier who bought their liberty
Who used his youthful body as a means towards an end
Who gave his life to those who called him murderer not friend

Sash you are a marvel,that is exactly the one.Now I know what & who by I can see if I can find a copy.I don't suppose you've got one by any chance?Many thanks for your input.All best wishes,Bluebedouin.

Glad to help Bluebedouin.
I don't have a copy of that song, but I remember it well as my father was in the army and did 3 tours in Northern Ireland.

Wow,

just discovered this thread through a link and it brought memories flooding back, some good some bad. I to remember this song and have always belived it was written about my uncle, Sgt Mick WIllets. I was only 7 at the time, but i still remember so much about it. The station refered to is actually a Police Station, not a train station, and the bomb was actually in a suitcase, not a grenade. But in a strange way, this close after rememberance day, it was nice to be reminded. It obviously had some deeper effect on me as I myself have recently finished 25 years in the army.
Here is the official story on Sgt Mick Willets GC
Palace Barracks Memorial Garden - Northern Ireland, Falklands Islands, Felix Memorial Garden.

Hi edwar368,you might find this link interesting.
Origins: The Soldier (Harvey Andrews)

I have a copy of this tune which I think is a great tune and I listen every now and again .
I would be happy to share the lyrics with you although I notice someone has posted the lyrics.

http://www.hardeodcafe.com/Soldier.m4a

link to song, its in a funny format, but opens in real player

squeaky

Funny format...

It's in AAC format, opens in other players too (some need plugin/codec)

Thanks for link!