The 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 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

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

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

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