The song "Children On Parade" by Colin Hay is a mysterious and haunting track that tells the story of a group of children who have suddenly disappeared. The lyrics suggest that they may have left voluntarily, taking off their clothes and shoes before leaving without explanation. The chorus repeats the phrase "they're the children on parade" several times, emphasizing the idea that there is something unusual and almost surreal about the way they left. The lyrics also suggest that the children may have shared secrets amongst themselves, but that no one knows what those secrets are or what could have caused them to leave. The second verse adds to the eerie tone of the song, with the image of broken toys scattered on the floor and an unanswered question about what could have happened to them all. The lyrics continue to emphasize the mystery surrounding the disappearance of the children, making the listener wonder where they went and why. Overall, the song "Children On Parade" is a haunting exploration of loss and the unknown. It leaves the listener with a sense of unease and a desire to know more about what happened to the missing children.