Joe Hill - Should I Ever Be A Soldier 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