Soldier's Joy, 1864

(album: The Dark - 2002)

Now first I thought a snake had got me, it happened dreadful quick
'Twas a bullet in my leg, right off I got sick
I came to in a wagonload of ten more wounded men
Five was dead by the time we reached that bloody tent

Gimme some of that Soldier's Joy, you know what I mean
I don't want to hurt no more my leg is turning green

Now 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 knifed, sweat fell from his brow
'Bout killed me trying to save my life when he cut that lead ball out

Gimme 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

Now 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

Gimme some of that Soldier's Joy you know what I like
Bear down on that fiddle boys just like Saturday night

Gimme some of that Soldier's Joy you know what I crave
I'll be hitting that Soldier's Joy 'til I'm in my grave