Standard (EADGBE)

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I got drafted at 19, Me and a bunch of boys from home.

January ’43, Drove out to Pine Bluff and signed on.

Went to basic south of Birmingham, Put me on a west coast bound train.

Spent three days out in San Diego, And they shipped me back east again.

Left a port out of New York, Slept for months in British rain.

Tore it up down in London town, And they shipped me out again.

The Preacher said “Boys he who is killed tonight, Shall dine with the lord

 in paradise.”

One boy spoke up said “Preacher come on, An’ eat ‘cher supper with us.”

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‘Never talk about those first days, Lots of friends left behind.

Made it all the way across France, And I fought at the Maginau line.

Rode a tank into Belgium, Liked them better than the French.

And like my daddy thirty years before me, Spent my time in a trench.

Lots of days there’s no water, But the liquor kept me warm.

The cellars were stocked to the ceilings with booze, So I carried a bottle with my gun.

The Preacher said “Boys he who is killed tonight, Shall dine with the lord in paradise.”

One boy spoke up said “Preacher come on, An’ eat ‘cher supper with us.”

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Three times I made Sergeant, But I’m not that kind of man.

And pretty much just as quick as I could, I’d get busted back to Private again.

‘Caus taking orders never suited me, But givin’ ‘em out was much worse.

I could not stand to get my friends killed, So I took care of my self first.

Now I know that don’t sound right, But don’t think too bad of me

But now it keeps me up at nights, What I could’ve done differently.

The Preacher said “Boys he who is killed tonight, Shall dine with the lord in paradise.”

One boy spoke up said “Preacher come on, An’ eat ‘cher supper with us.”

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I’d be no guest at the table of the Lord, His food is not to be mine.

‘Cause I cursed his name every chance that is could, I reckon that’s why I’m still alive

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