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 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