The lyrics describe a war veteran's return from the battlefield (specifically a pilot from the Battle of Britain, commonly known as The Few) to pursue teaching. The ticking clock continues to the next track, "The Hero's Return", which is sung from the veteran's perspective.
The song's lyrics describe a war veteran returning from the battlefield (a pilot from the Battle of Britain, commonly called The Few) to resume teaching duties. The ticking clock moves on to the next track, "The Hero's Return," which is performed from the veteran's perspective.