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 Learn to kill the enemy and then find out what for 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 ya 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, Sergean 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