He blesses the boys as they stand in line
The smell of gun grease and the bayonets they shine
He’s there to help them all that he can
To make them feel wanted he’s a good holy man
Sky Pilot. Eric Burdon and the Animals
November in southern California at the beach is pleasantly warm and sunny. Georgia posed on a cliff side high above a hidden cove in Laguna Beach. Behind her, far below, are the blue waters of the Great Pacific Ocean. This cove is a favorite of body surfers in the area. Our model wore a bright red, long-sleeve shirtdress and was barefoot for the occasion.
Today’s youtube is Sky Pilot by Eric Burdon and the Animals. Sky Pilot was a hit for the Animals in 1968. Listen to the lyrics because they tell a poignant story.
Here’s a link to a live version performed by Eric Burdon at The Coach House, California in 1998.
Eric Burdon - Sky Pilot
The Animals: SKY PILOT
He blesses the boys as they stand in line
The smell of gun grease and the bayonets they shine
He’s there to help them all that he can
To make them feel wanted he’s a good holy man
Sky pilot…..sky pilot
How high can you fly
You’ll never, never, never reach the sky
He smiles at the young soldiers
Tells them its all right
He knows of their fear in the forthcoming fight
Soon there’ll be blood and many will die
Mothers and fathers back home they will cry
Sky pilot…..sky pilot
How high can you fly
You’ll never, never, never reach the sky
He mumbles a prayer and it ends with a smile
The order is given
They move down the line
But he’s still behind and he’ll meditate
But it won’t stop the bleeding or ease the hate
As the young men move out into the battle zone
He feels good, with God you’re never alone
He feels tired and he lays on his bed
Hopes the men will find courage in the words that he said
Sky pilot…..sky Pilot
How high can you fly
You’ll never, never, never reach the sky
You’ll never, never, never reach the sky
You’re soldiers of God you must understand
The fate of your country is in your young hands
May God give you strength
Do your job real well
If it all was worth it
Only time it will tell
In the morning they return
With tears in their eyes
The stench of death drifts up to the skies
A soldier so ill looks at the sky pilot
Remembers the words
“Thou shalt not kill”
Sky pilot…..sky pilot
How high can you fly
You never, never, never reach the sky
