The minstrel boy to the war is gone In the ranks of death you'll find him His father's sword he has girded on And his wild harp slung behind him Go get your guns, it's time to play Let's hurry up, don't waste the day Out in the park we'll stage a fight Just like on the TV You play the one who has to die I'll shoot the gun and you will cry You will fall down and I will run Just like on the TV My daddy has a gun for real He says he'll teach me to use it I'm gonna have my own someday Just like on the TV My daddy told me what to do If anybody bothers you He says the law is on our side Just like on the TV You've gotta shoot first, shoot first You've gotta shoot first and ask your questions later Shoot first, you've gotta shoot first Shoot first, you gotta get them before they get you My older brother has his own It's got a handle made of bone He carries it all over town Just like on the TV My daddy gave my mama one Genuine real pearl handled gun She says she gonna have some fun Just like on the TV Did you see who got shot last night? I stayed up to watch him They rushed him off to surgery Right there on the TV Gosh, I hope they catch the guy I think they ought to shoot him But if they bring him in alive He'll be on the TV You've gotta shoot first, shoot first You've gotta shoot first and ask your questions later Shoot first, you've gotta shoot first Shoot first, you gotta get them before they get you I've got to go, it's getting late I wish I had a real gun Then I would never be afraid Like some guys on TV I'd never use my gun on you You'd never have to worry You'd be the good guy on my side Just like on the TV I think when I grow up someday I'm gonna be a Green Beret I saw them sailing off to war Last night on the TV My daddy says it's not a game We've got to play to win it He says I'll have to learn to fight Just like on the TV You've gotta shoot first, shoot first You've gotta shoot first and ask your questions later Shoot first, you've gotta shoot first Shoot first, you gotta get them before they get you Shoot first, shoot first You've gotta shoot first and ask your questions later Shoot first, you've gotta shoot first Shoot first, you gotta get them before they get you "Land of song", said the warrior bard Tho' all the world betrays thee One sword at least thy rights shall guard One faithful harp shall praise thee