[Verse 1]
Private Perks is a funny little codger with a smile
A funny smile
Five feet none, he's an artful little dodger with a smile
A funny smile
Flush or broke, he'll have his little joke
He can't be suppressed
All the other fellows have to grin
When he gets this off his chest

[Chorus]
Hey!
Pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag
And smile, smile, smile
While you've a lucifer to light your fag
Smile, boys, that's the style
What's the use of worrying?
It never was worthwhile, so
Pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag
And smile, smile, smile

[Verse 2]
Private Perks went a-marching into Flanders with his smile
His funny smile
He was loved by the privates and commanders for his smile
His funny smile
When a throng of Germans came along with a mighty swing
Perks yelled out:
"This little bunch is mine! Keep your heads down, boys, and sing!"
[Chorus]
Hey!
Pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag
And smile, smile, smile
While you've a lucifer to light your fag
Smile, boys, that's the style
What's the use of worrying?
It never was worthwhile, so
Pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag
And smile, smile, smile

[Verse 3]
Private Perks, he came back from Bosche-shooting with his smile
His funny smile
'Round his home he then set about recruiting with his smile
His funny smile
He told all his pals, the short and tall, what a time he'd had
And as each enlisted like a man
Private Perks said "Now, my lad..."

[Chorus]
Hey!
Pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag
And smile, smile, smile
While you've a lucifer to light your fag
Smile, boys, that's the style
What's the use of worrying?
It never was worthwhile, so
Pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag
And smile, smile, smile