Going over the top in World War One was when soldiers climbed from their trench to attack enemy trenches. At the battle of the Somme a British general ordered his men to walk towards the German trenches and not run. ' We don't want the enemy to think the British are cowards.' Thousands died because of his command. br br Birds no longer sing br Where young men cower in trenches br Rifle and bayonet fixed br Wondering if they will live or die br Wanting the comfort of a mother's kiss. br br Officers blow whistles br And the brigade climb out of trenches br Walking over shell craters and through barbwire br On towards waiting machine gunners br Surmounting terrors that make men mad. br br There is no sound br But beating of each soldier's heart br As he steps forward into hell br Trying to control his fears and panic br Thinking of his loved ones back home. br br Machine gunners open up br With chatter of bullets raking the ranks br Noise is deafening, screams as men are hit and fall br With wounded struggling in the mud br And for the dead grieving mothers to mourn.