“The New Recruit”

Oh, sergeant, I’m a draftee, and I’ve just arrived in camp
I’ve come to wear the uniform and join the marshall 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
Oh, learn to kill the enemy and then find out what for
Oh, I’ll need instructions, 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, should I stick him just once more?
Oh, please be patient, sergeant
For I’ve never killed before

And 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 its wicked, muffled roar?
Oh, I’ve got so much to learn
For 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 how 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
Oh yes, I know that it won’t matter
That I’ve never killed before