Should I Ever Be A Soldier by Joe Hill Lyrics

[Verse 1]
We're spending billions every year
For guns and ammunition
"Our Army" and "Our Navy" dear
To keep in good condition;
While millions live in misery
And millions died before us
Don't sing "My Country, 'tis of thee,"
But sing this little chorus

[Chorus]
Should I ever be a soldier
'Neath the Red Flag I would fight;
Should the gun I ever shoulder
It's to crush the tyrant's might
Join the army of the toilers
Men and women fall in line
Wage slaves of the world! Arouse!
Do your duty for the cause
For Land and Liberty
[Verse 2]
And many a maiden, pure and fair
Her love and pride must offer
On Mammon's altar in despair
To fill the master's coffer
The gold that pays the mighty fleet
From tender youth he squeezes
While brawny men must walk the street
And face the wintry breezes

[Chorus]
Should I ever be a soldier
'Neath the Red Flag I would fight;
Should the gun I ever shoulder
It's to crush the tyrant's might
Join the army of the toilers
Men and women fall in line
Wage slaves of the world! Arouse!
Do your duty for the cause
For Land and Liberty

[Verse 3]
Why do they mount their gatling gun
A thousand miles from ocean
Where hostile fleet could never run--
Ain't that a funny notion?
If you don't know the reason why
Just strike for better wages
And then, my friends--if you don't die--
You'll sing this song for ages
[Chorus]
Should I ever be a soldier
'Neath the Red Flag I would fight;
Should the gun I ever shoulder
It's to crush the tyrant's might
Join the army of the toilers
Men and women fall in line
Wage slaves of the world! Arouse!
Do your duty for the cause
For Land and Liberty