Rudyard Kipling's Verse, Inclusive Edition, 1885-1918/To Thomas Atkins

by Rudyard Kipling

To Thomas Atkins

(Prelude to Barrack Room Ballads)

I have made for you a song,
And it may be right or wrong.
But only you can tell me if it's true;
I have tried for to explain
Both your pleasure and your pain,
And, Thomas, here's my best respects to you!

O there'll surely come a day
When they'll give you all your pay,
And treat you as a Christian ought to do;
So, until that day comes round,
Heaven keep you safe and sound,
And, Thomas, here's my best respects to you!