Oh, hear the drums thunder
They sound such a wonder
Go march off to war, boys
And have at your fun
With your bangles and spangles
And bright golden buttons
The bright golden buttons
That shine in the sun
Oh, the cannons are screaming
Or is it my dreaming
Young men will stumble
And fall in the dust
And the cheers turn to crying
When life turns to dying
And bright golden buttons
Have all turned to rust
Oh, the trumpets are blowing
But you'll not be going
You'll stay here so safe
And warm in your bed
For the last time you heard them
You marched off behind them
Now your bright golden buttons
Have all turn to red
Oh, the cannons are screaming
Or is it my dreaming
Young men will stumble
And fall in the dust
And the cheers turn to crying
When life turns to dying
And bright golden buttons
Have all turned to rust