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.