Look After Our Tom

On a cold, clear night in Flax Street Belfast t’ween the Ardoyne and Crumlin Road.
I was just starting duty, commanding the guard when over a young soldier strode.
He said my young brother is on his first tour and he’s on guard duty tonight.
I’m worried and can’t sleep a wink, till I’ve checked that my brothers all right.

Hey Corporal look after our Tom, for he is all that I’ve got.
It was this time last year, on a night cold and clear when John my twin brother got shot.

I told this soldier I’d look after young Tom and I kept the promise I’d sworn
I was there right beside him at each of his posts and I saw him through safely till morn.
‘cause I wouldn’t forget the concern on his face as he made me his sad plea
And I won’t forget the words that he said when he pleaded with me.

Hey Corporal look after our Tom, for he is all that I’ve got.
It was this time last year on a night cold and clear when John my twin brother got shot.

On foot patrol later that week, on a cold and clear September night.
In the dark lurked a sniper hidden from view who had young Tom in his sight.
The crack of the rifle, another young life, coincidence beyond belief.
John and Tom’s brother, quickly sent home, once more to a family in grief.

Hey Corporal look after our Tom, for he is all that I’ve got.
It was this time last year on a night cold and clear when John my twin brother got shot.

It’s now forty years since that night cold and clear in a city that struggled for peace.
Many are dying all over the world waiting for killing to cease
Still many other young people have died fighting their cause to the death.
And I won’t forget what that young soldier said till the day that I take my last breath.

Hey Corporal look after our Tom, for he is all that I’ve got.
It was this time last year on a night cold and clear when John my twin brother got shot.

John Rudman. 2LI killed on mobile patrol 14/9/71.
Tom Rudman. 1LI killed on foot patrol 30/9/72. From West Hartlepool.