I was out on the leave at the time just duckin' the fog nosin' around like a hungry dog

In that crazy place called Washington DC

I saw a crowd of people on the White House lawn all carrying signes about VietNam

So I went over to see what was goin' on

It was a strange looking bunch but then I never could understand some people

Oh a fellow came to me with a list in his hand he said we're gatherin' names to send

The telegram of sympathy then he handed me a pen

I said I reckon this is goin' to kids and wives

My friends over there who're givin' their lives

He said ah ah buddy this is goin' to Ho-Chi-Min

I said Ho-Chi who he said Ho-Chi-Min people's leader North VietNam

Oh I wasn't really sure I was hearin' him right

I though I'd better move before I got in a fight

Cause my ears were hurtin' and my ball started hit my lick

Then I thought of another telegram that I've just read

Tellin' my buddy's wife that her husband was dead

It wasn't too long till I was feelin' downright sick

Another held the sign that said we won't fight

I thought to myself boy ain't that right

To leave a lot of our soldiers die instead

I said it's a shame that every man who ever died up there that far off land

Was dyin' for that you wouldn't have to wake up dead

Course he looked at me like I was kinda crazy just another warmonger

Oh I left that place and I went downtown and hit first bar that I'd found

To cool myself off and pacify my brain

You see I was on orders to VietNam little old place just north to Saigon

Had about an hour to catch myself a plane

So all I mean to say is I don't like dyin' either but man I ain't gonna crawl