[Verse 1]
It started off as innocent fun, a stranger in a foreign land
A boy with a gun and no name, seeks compassion with a girl in hand

[Pre-Chorus]
When your conscience taps you on the shoulder
You'll be a little wiser and older

[Chorus]
Not even we can save the children of dust
Not even we can save the children of dust
Well not even we can save the children of dust

[Verse 2]
Task completed but you lost face
Returning home the conquering saviour
The little girl who lives next door
Takes a shine to your cool behaviour

[Pre-Chorus]
When your conscience taps you on the shoulder
You'll be a little wiser and older

[Chorus]
Not even we can save the children of dust
Not even we can save the children of dust
Well not even we can save the children of dust
Not the children

[Verse 3]
A steady job and a nice clean house
Part of your parents scheming
The past will always catch you out
In 'Nam a child is screaming

[Pre-Chorus]
When your conscience taps you on the shoulder
You'll be a little wiser and older

[Chorus]
Not even we can save the children of dust
Not even we can save the children of dust
Well not even we can save the children of dust

[Verse 4]
Youth has gone now, the past is settled, you'll pay for that night of lust
A million miles, a promise, and a child of the dust

[Pre-Chorus]
When your conscience taps you on the shoulder
You'll be a little wiser and older

[Chorus]
Not even we can save the children of dust
Not even we can save the children of dust
Well not even we can save the children of dust
Children of dust