When I was younger, gossips would say When I grew older, I'd be a soldier Rattles and toys, I threw them away Except for a drum and a sabre When I was older, as up I grew I went to see a grand review Colours flying set me dying To embark on a life so new
(Chorus) Roll me merry drums, march away Soldier's glory lives in story His laurels are green when his locks are gray Then hurrah! For the life of a soldier!
Listed for battle we marched along Courting dangers, fear no strangers Cannons speak kind to the trumpet's song And every heart's a heroes Charge on gallantly descry, on like lions then, we'd fly Fire and thunder pose no wonder Then hurrah for victory!
Who's so merry as we in the camp? Battle over, live in clover Care and his cronies are forced to tramp And all is social pleasure Then we drink and dance and sing Time goes gaily on the wing Smiles of beauty sweeten duty And each private is a king!