We're not a bit deluded by the notion
That this is just a picnic, or that we
Enlisted for a trip across the ocean--
There's work ahead, not just a joyous spree.
Of course we sing and talk and sometimes dance;
But get this in your mind--that when we hear
"Hullo, Soldier! How's the boy?" as we disembark in France,
_They_ will hear us answer, "Ready!"
Loud and clear;
They will see that we _are_ ready,
Never fear.
Don't you think that we are just a bunch of flivvers;
We've measured up the job that must be done
And we know what we are facing, though the shivers
Don't turn our spines to rubber--not a one!
The Prussian scorned the world. Well, let him scorn it
(The world exchanges loathing for that scorn);
We haven't put on khaki to adorn it,
But to make the Prussian sorry
He was born;
And to send him back, his "Kultur"
Banner torn!
So it doesn't matter that some foolish people
Bemoan the fact this Army's on the go;
Unless it _is_, the harvest they will reap'll
Be slavery or death, they ought to know.
It isn't what they want or what we'd like--
It's what we've _got_ to do.... When others say,
"Hullo, Soldier! How's the boy?" as we drill and shoot and hike,
They must hear us answer, "Ready!"
Ev'ry day,
_It's this nation's debt to France we've
Come to pay!_