Classic Poem

VERSE

We fought in 1917,
Rum-ta-ta tum-tum-tum!
And drove the tyrant from the scene,
Rum-ta-ta tum-tum-tum!
We're in a bigger, better war
For your patriotic pastime.
We don't know what we're fighting for —
But we didn't know the last time!
So load the cannon! Draw the blade!
Rum-ta-ta tum-tum-tum!
Come on, and join the Big Parade!
Rum-ta-ta tum-tum,
Rum-ta-ta tum-tum,
Rum-ta-ta tum-tum-tum!

REFRAIN 1

Let the drums roll out!
(Boom-boom-boom!)
Let the trumpet call!
(Ta-ta-ra-ta-ta-ta-ta!)
While the people shout —
(Hooray!)
Strike up the band!
Hear the cymbals ring!
(Tszing-tszing-tszing!)
Calling one and all
(Ta-ta-ra-ta-ta-ta-ta!)
To the martial swing,
(Left, right!)
Strike up the band!

1. There is work to be done, to be done —
There's a war to be won, to be won —
Come, you son of a son of a gun —
Take your stand!
Fall in line, yea Bo —
Come along, let's go!
Hey, leader, strike up the band!

REFRAIN 2

2. Yankee doo doodle-oo doodle-oo,
We'll come through, doodle-oo doodle-oo,
For the red, white and blue doodle-oo,
Lend a hand.
With our flag unfurled,
We can lick the world!
Hey, leader, strike up the band!