I remember when I was a barefooted boy climbing in a sycamore tree.
But now I'm a little older, got a rifle on my shoulder. Some fool made a soldier of me.

Some fool made a soldier of me, ah ha! And I ride in the rough calva'ry.
Got a pretty gal waitin' for me while I rot here in the army. Some fool made a soldier of me.

I told her we'd marry and build us a home and raise us a big family.
But she's givin' all her charms to a blue uniform. Some fool made a soldier of me.

Some fool made a soldier of me, ah ha! And I ride in the rough calva'ry.
The day's getting' hotter. S'm near out of water. some fool made a soldier of me.

I told gen'ral custer I'm a-dyin' of thirst and the heat is a-getting' to me.
But he said, "have no fear. There's a big river near." some fool made a soldier of me.

Some fool made a soldier of me, ah ha! And I ride in the rough calva'ry.
We'll get there in the morn to little big horn.
Hey, gen'ral custer! A think I see an indian over there. yeah! ask her if she's got a friend for me!
Some fool made a soldier of me.