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 my only desire
To learn my weapon thoroughly
And how to aim and fire
To learn to kill the enemy
And then to slaughter more
I'll need instruction, sergeant,
For I've never killed before
Oh, 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
The hand grenade is something
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
Oh, I want to thank you, Sergeant,
For the help you've been to me
For you've taught me
How to slaughter 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
And I know that it won't matter
That I've never killed before