Soldier's Joy, 1864

Now first I thought a snake had got me, it happened dreadful quick
'Twas a bullet bit 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 turnin' green

Well the doctor came and looked at me and this is what he said
Said, "Your dancin' days are done, son, it's a good thing you ain't dead"
Then he went to work with a carvin' knifed, sweat fell from his brow
'Bout killed me tryin' 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 walkin' cane, I ain't cut out for war

Well 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
And 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 hittin' that Soldier's Joy 'til I'm in my grave