WILLING CONSCRIPT

(Tom Paxton)



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 how to slaughter more

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're a man of war

So you must give me lessons, for I've never killed before



Now there are several lessons that I have not 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 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 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 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



Copyright Cherry Lane Music Publishing Co., Inc.

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sung by Paxton Ain't It News and Newport 63 Broadside

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