INCLUSIVE EDITION, 1885-1918 489
Back to the Army again, sergeant
Back to the Army again. 'Oo would ha' thought I could carry an' port? 1
I'm back to the Army again!
I took my bath, an' I wallered for, Gawd, I needed it so!
I smelt the smell o' the barricks, I 'card the bugles go.
I 'eard the feet on the gravel the feet o' the men what
drill An' I sez to my flutterin' 'eart-strings, I sez to 'em, "Peace,
be still!"
Back to the Army again, sergeant,
Back to the Army again. 'Oo said I knew when the troopship was due?
I'm back to the Army again!
I carried my slops to the tailor; I sez to 'im, "None o' your
lip!
You tight 'em over the shoulders, an ' loose 'em over the 'ip, For the set o' the tunic's 'orrid." An' 'e sez to me, "Strike
me dead, But I thought you was used to the business!" an' so 'e done
what I said.
Back to the Army again, sergeant,
Back to the Army again. Rather too free with my fancies? Wot me?
I'm back to the Army again!
Next week I'll 'ave 'em fitted; I'll buy me a swagger-cane; They'll let me free o' the barricks to walk on the Hoe again In the name o' William Parsons, that used to be Edward Clay, An' any pore beggar that wants it can draw my fourpence a day!
1 Carry and port his rifle.
