Where have all the young men gone;
Long time passing?
Where have all the young men gone;
Long time ago?
Where have all the young men gone?
Gone for soldiers every one.
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?

Where have all the soldiers gone;
Long time passing?
Where have all  the soldiers gone;
Long time ago?
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Gone to graveyards every one.
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?

Where have all the graveyards gone;
Long time passing?
Where have all the graveyards gone;
Long time ago?
Where have all the graveyards gone?
Covered with flowers every one.
When will we ever learn?
When will we ever learn?

These three verses are exceptionally apt in Singapore’s context, with National Service, the current situation of Bukit Brown and all.