Monuments for the victims

Where are the statues for civilians killed?

I want monuments for the victims

Where the statues to the dead of Hanoi?

I want monuments for the victims

And where are the statues to civilians with pride

Who refused to take part in genocide

And spent time in prison, spat on, vilified?

I want monuments for the victims

Don't give me that crap about saving your country

I want monuments for the victims

Defending your women and your way of life

I want monuments for the victims

And don't try to tell me that the land of your birth

Was threatened by peasants half way round the earth

And well done for defending America's turf

I want monuments for the victims

When we hear about needing to reconcile

I want monuments for the victims

Those poor stupid bastards that answered the call

I want monuments for the victims

Yes, it was horror, yes it wrecked lives

Yes, the men suffered, is that a surprise?

Suffering? Ask the Vietnamese who survived

I want monuments for the victims

Because who did the hurting? Who were the hurt?

I want monuments for the victims

'Cause who were the murdered, who were the burnt?

I want monuments for the victims

And who gave the orders, whose was the voice

So Australian men felt they had no choice

But to serve another country's political ends?

I want monuments for the victims

So give us the statues, give us them soon

I want monuments for the victims

For the dead of Vietnam and the Kalkadoons

I want monuments for the victims

It's time Australia paid its dues

To this country's owners, who we've treated like Jews

To the women and children raped and abused

To most to the dead, whatever their views.

I want monuments for the victims.