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The Willing Conscript Lyrics by Pete Seeger

Broadside Ballads Volume 2

0

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 several lessons that I haven't mastered yet
I haven't got the hang of how to use the bayonet
If he doesn't die at once am I to stick him with it more?
Oh, I hope you will be patient, for I've never killed before

Oh, there are rumors 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
So you must give me lessons, for I've never killed before

The 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 it's wicked, muffled roar?
Oh, I've got so much to learn because I've never killed before

Oh, I want to thank you, Sergeant, for the help you've been to me
For you've taught me how to slaughter and to hate the enemy
And I know that I'll be ready when they march me off to war
And I know that it won't matter that I've never killed before
And I know that it won't matter that I've never killed before

About “The Willing Conscript” by Pete Seeger

Read the complete lyrics to "The Willing Conscript" by Pete Seeger from the album "Broadside Ballads Volume 2". On Lyrks you can follow along with the full text, explore the artist's discography, and discover related songs. The track is often categorized under Pop.

"The Willing Conscript" is performed by Pete Seeger. from the album "Broadside Ballads Volume 2" This page provides the full lyric text for fans who want to sing along, study the songwriting, or compare versions across releases. Lyrks organizes lyrics by artist and song slug so you can bookmark and share a stable URL. Music lyrics help listeners connect with emotion, narrative, and rhythm in a track. Whether you are learning English, researching a favorite chorus, or preparing for karaoke, having accurate line breaks and section labels (verse, chorus, bridge) makes the experience easier. We link to the official artist profile on Lyrks where available, including biography snippets, top songs, and chart placements when we have that data. If you enjoy "The Willing Conscript", explore more songs by Pete Seeger using the links below. Chart and trending pages on Lyrks highlight what listeners are searching for this week. For copyright or correction requests, see our DMCA and contact pages.

View all songs and biography for Pete Seeger · Trending lyrics · Billboard Hot 100

Frequently asked questions

"The Willing Conscript" is credited to Pete Seeger. Songwriting credits may include additional writers listed on the release; check the credits section on this page for linked collaborators.

"The Willing Conscript" appears on "Broadside Ballads Volume 2".

Visit the Pete Seeger artist page at /artist/pete-seeger for biography, popular tracks, and links to more lyric pages.


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