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. I'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. I 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.