Stan Ridgway - Camouflage Camouflage
(Stan Ridgway)

I was a PFC on a search patrol, I hunted Charlie down
it was in the jungle wars of '65
my weapon jammed and I got stuck way out and all alone
and I could hear the enemy moving in close outside

Just then I heard a twig snap and I grabbed my empty gun
and I dug in scared while I counted down my fate
and then a big marine, a giant with a pair of friendly eyes
appeared there at my shoulder and said wait

Well he dug in close beside me, said don't worry son, I'm here
if Charlie wants to tangle now, he'll have two to dodge
I said well thanks a lot, told him my name and asked him his
and he said, the boys just call me Camouflage

Oh Camouflage, things are never quite the way they seem
oh Camouflage, I was awfully glad to see this big marine

I was gonna ask him where he came from, when we heard the bullets fly
coming through the brush and all around our ears
and then I saw this big marine light a fire in his eye
and it was strange, but suddenly I forgot my fear

Well we fought all night, side by side we took our battle stands
and I wondered how the bullets missed this man
for they seemed to go right through him, just as if he wasn't there
and in the morning we both took a chance and ran

And it was near the river bank that the ambush came on top of us
and I thought it was the end and we were had
then a bullet with my name on it came buzzing through a bush
and this big marine just swatted with his hand
just like it was a fly

Oh Camouflage, things are never quite the way they seem
oh Camouflage, this was an awfully strange marine

And I knew there was something weird about him
'cause when I turned around he was pulling a big palm tree
and swatting those Charlies with it
from here to kingdom come

When he led me out of danger I said thanks and waved goodbye
he just winked at me from the jungle and then was gone
I went back to my HQ, and told them about my night
and the battle I'd spent with the big marine named Camouflage

When I said his name a soldier gulped and a medic took my arm
and led me to a green tent on the right
he said you may be telling truth, boy, but this here is Camouflage
and he's been right here since he passed away last night
in fact, he's been here all week long

But before he went, he said semper fi, and said his only wish
was to save a young marine caught in a dodge
so here, take his dog tags, son, I know he wants you to have it now
and we both said a prayer for a big marine named Camouflage

Oh Camouflage, things are never quite the way they seem
oh Camouflage, this was an awfully big marine

So next time you're in a jungle fight, and you feel the presence near
or hear a voice that in your mind will light
just be thankful that you're not alone and you got some company
from a big marine the boys call Camouflage

Oh Camouflage, things are never quite the way they seem
oh Camouflage, this was an awfully big marine

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