Phantom Shells Cattle bells, phantom shells, It’s harvest time in the village Mothers croon, night-time soon, Free from the blood and the war Busy clatter, doesn’t matter, In the hot village sun. In the air there’s a feeling, a feeling of sleeping Babies tearful, girlfriends fearful, Of the night time attack And on every street corner you’ll hear, you’ll hear, you will hear... Repeat – Cattle bells... Trails of bloodshed, near the cowshed, Glisten deeply with death As the widows cry, tears for their children Hear the engines, Angel’s Death wings Viewing Hell’s Armoury And above all this bustle you’ll hear, you’ll hear, you will hear... Repeat - Cattle bells... Silver bells, silver bells It’s Christmas time in the city Ring-a-ling, hear them sing Soon it will be Christmas Day (repeats again) Repeat – Cattle Bells... Based on the poem “August, 1918” by Maurice Baring © Mike Sharman. Written by Mike Sharman Musical arrangement, production and performance (vocal/guitar/keys) Jonathan ‘JRP’ Taylor Cover photograph; Nicola Iona Miller Photography Brittunculi Records & Books 2015