The New Recruit


sung by Michael Blessing



Oh Sargent I'm a draftee, and I've just arrived in camp.
I've come to wear the uniform, and join the marshal tramp.
And I want to do my duty, but one thing I do implore:
You must give me lessons, Sargent, for I've never killed before.

To do my job obediently is my only desire.
To learn my weapon thouroughly, and how to aim and fire.
To learn to kill the enemy, and then find out what for.
Oh, I'll need instructions, Sargent, 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, Sargent, 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, Sargent, 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 it's wicked, mumbled roar?
Oh, I've got so much to learn, for I've never killed before.

Well, I want to thank you, Sargent, for the help you've been to me
. You taught me how to kill and how to hate the enemy.
And I'll 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.




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