Soldier’s Joy, 1864

First I thought a snake had got me, it happened dreadful quick
It was a bullet bit my leg and right off I got sick
I came to in a wagon load of ten more wounded men
Five was dead by the time we reached that bloody tent

Give me some of that Soldier's Joy
You know what I mean
I don't want to hurt no more
My leg is turning green

The doctor came and looked at me and this is what he said
"Your dancing days are done, son, it's a good thing you ain't dead"
Then he went to work with a carving knife, sweat fell from his brow
About killed me trying to save my life when he cut that lead ball out

Give me some of that Soldier's Joy
Ain't you got no more
Hand me down my walking cane
I ain't cut out for war

The red blood run right through my veins, it run all over the floor
And it run right down his apron strings like a river out the door
He handed me a bottle, said, "Son, drink deep as you can"
He turned away and he turned right back with a hacksaw in his hand

Give me some of that Soldier's Joy
You know what I like
Bear down on that fiddle, boys
Just like Saturday night
Give me some of that Soldier's Joy
You know what I crave
I'll be hitting that Soldier's Joy
Till I'm in my grave