(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

(Chorus 1)
Let the drums roll out
Let the trumpet call
While the people shout
"Strike up the band"

Hear the cymbals ring
Callin' one and all
To the martial swing
Strike up the band
There is work to be done, to be done
There's a war to be won, to be won
Come on you son of a son, of a gun
Take your stand

Fall in line, yea a bow
Come along, let's go
Hey, Leader, strike up the band!

(Chorus 2)

Let the drums roll out
Let the trumpet call
While the people shout
"Strike up the band"

Hear the cymbals ring
Callin' one and all
To the martial swing
Strike up the band

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 the flag unfurled
We can lick the world
Hey, leader, strike up the band