I remember when I was a barefooted boy
Climbing in a sycamore tree
But now I'm a little older, got a rifle on my shoulder
Some fool made a soldier of me

Some fool made a soldier of me, rah ha!
And I ride in the rough calva'ry
Got a pretty gal waitin' for me while I rot here in the Army
Some fool made a soldier of me

I told her we'd marry and build us a home
And raise us a big family
But she's givin' all her charms to a blue uniform
Some fool made a soldier of me

Some fool made a soldier of me, rah ha!
And I ride in the rough calva'ry
The day's getting' hotter, I'm near out of water
Some fool made a soldier of me

I told Gen'ral Custer I'm a-dyin' of thirst
And the heat is a-getting' to me
But he said, "Have no fear, there's a big river near."
Some fool made a soldier of me

Some fool made a soldier of me, rah ha!
And I ride in the rough calva'ry
We'll get there in the morn to the Little Big Horn
Hey, Gen'ral Custer, I think I see an Indian over there
Yeah, ask her if she's got a friend for me
Some fool made a soldier of me