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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 rumours 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
    You must give me lessons 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 that bayonet
    If he doesn't die at once am I to stick it with him more
    I hope you will be patient for I've never killed before

    And a 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
    I've got so much to learn because I've never killed before

    I want to thank you sergeant for the help you've been to me
    You 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
    I know that it won't matter that I've never killed before

    (as sung by Pete Seeger)

Susannes Folksong-Notizen

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