William D. Royster

THERE AIN’T NO FOX HOLES IN AN AIRPLANE

I was looking for a place to hide
I look right and left, and then behind
I’d volunteered, I had no one to blame
But there ain’t no fox holes in an airplane.

A shell exploded over to my right,
Another one closer, lit up the night
Now I was starting to feel the pain.
There ain’t no fox holes in an airplane

They bombed our base, and we knew what to do
Fox holes were waiting for our whole crew
But up in the air, you have to take the strain
There ain’t no fox holes in an airplane.

Fifteen missions and your time is up
Law of averages say that you hang up your cup
and go up above, where the Angels reign,
‘Cause there ain’t no fox holes in an air plane

I’ll stay right here until the war Is won
‘Cause I’ve already flown thirty one
Our guardian Angel helps bear the pain
‘Cause there ain’t no fox holes in an air plane