- [CAPO IV] + (CAPO IV) + R: Battle [C#m]hymns for the [E]broken, Battle [A]hymns for the [G#m]misled Battle [E]hymns for the [G#m]wretched, The fo[C#m]rgotten and the dead Battle hymns of redemption, Of solidarity and pride Battle hymns we will be singing, At the turning of the tide [C#m E H C#m] 1. Can you explain to the mothers, And the fathers of those Who come riding home in coffins, In their military clothes Shiny medals pinned, To their dead teenage chests While the trumpets blare, And you lie your best So ask all you want, From the dusk til the dawn The answer's still no, Cause brother I'm gone R: Battle Hymns for the broken, .... 2. Can you explain away the sleight of hand, And the criminality Of spending souls for oil, Well in the mirror I can see I am the path that leads down, I am a dark and bloody hall I'm the reaper, executioner, Hangman, judge, and the law So tie a yellow ribbon, Round the oak tree on the lawn But the cavalry's not comin', Cause brother they're gone R: Battle Hymns for the broken, .... 3. So I'm sharpening my shovel, I'm firing the kiln I'm blind and I am purposeful, A martyr on the hill The dream you might be dreaming, Might be someone else's dream tonight I'm the whisperer of misgivings, I'm the fading tail light I'm the call for retribution, From the back of the smoke filled hall I'm the vow of bitterness, I'm the poison in the well 4. I've a photographic memory, Of the deeds I will avenge I'm the cold in the river hollow, I've a hatpin, I've a plan I don't care of cause or consequence, Head shaved and body lean I'm the go-getter, the score settler, I'm the shadow on the green There's a flock of blackbirds flying, Nearly ten thousand strong Who set off this morning, And brother they're gone R: Battle Hymns for the broken, ....