The Willing Conscript

Oh sergeant, I'm a draftee

And I've just arrived in camp

I've come to wear the uniform

And join the martial tramp

And I want to do my duty

But one thing I do implore

You must give me lessons, sergeant

For I've never killed before

To do my job obediently

Is all that I desire

To learn my weapon thoroughly

And how to aim and fire

To learn to kill the enemy

And then to slaughter more

Oh, I'll need instruction, sergeant

For I've never killed before

Now, there are rumors in the camp

About our enemy

They say that when you see him

He looks just like you and me

But you deny it, sergeant

And you are a man of war

So you must give me lessons

For I've never killed before

Now, there are several lessons

That I haven't mastered yet

I haven't got the hang of

How to use the bayonet

If he doesn't die at once

Am I to stick him with it more?

Oh, I hope you will be patient

For I've never killed before

And the hand grenade is somethin'

That I just don't understand

You've got to throw it quickly

Or you're apt to lose your hand

Does it blow a man to pieces

With it's wicked, muffled roar?

Oh, I've got so much to learn

Because I've never killed before

Well, I want to thank you, sergeant

For the help you've been to me

You've taught me how to kill

And to hate the enemy

And I know that I'll be ready

When they march me off to war

And I know that it won't matter

That I've never killed before

I know that it won't matter

That I've never killed before