Browned Off

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Melody -
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from WWI, these lyrics by Ewan MacColl

Once I was a civvy lad, decent as can be.
I used to think a worling lad had a man's right to be free,
But now they've gone and made a lousy soldier out of me
They browned me off to help to save Democracy.
Chorus:
Well I was browned off, browned off, browned off as can be,
Browned off, browned off, an easy mark, that's me.
But when this war is over and again I'm free,
There'll be no more trips around the world for me.

2. They made me wear a convict suit, they made me cut me hair.
They took me civvy shoes away and gave me another pair.
Instead of grub they give us slop and plenty of fresh air--
And this was all to help to save democracy.
Chorus:

3. Every day we're on parade long before the dawn;
And every day I curse the ruddy day that I was born--
For I am just a browned off soldier, anyone can see--
They browned me off to help to save democracy.
Chorus:

4. The Colonel kicks the Major , then the Major has a go;
He kicks the poor old captain, who then kicks the NCO;
And as the kicks get harder, the poor private you can see,
Gets kicked to bloody Hell to save democracy!
Chorus:

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