"Och, it's nate to be captain or colonel, divil a bit would I want to be higher;
But to rust as a private, I think’s an infernal predicament, surely," says Private Maguire
"They can go sparkin' and playin' at billiards, with money to spend for their slightest desire
Loafin’ and aytin' and drinkin' at Ballard's, while we're on the pickets," says Private Maguire

"Livin' in clover, they think it's a trifle to stand out all night in the rain and the mire
And a Yankee hard by with a villainous rifle, just ready to pop ye," says Private Maguire
"Faith, now, it's not that I’m after complaining, I’m spilin' to meet ye, Abe Lincoln, Esquire!
Ye blaggard! It’s only I'm weary of training, and training, and training," says Private Maguire

"O, Lord, for a row! But Maguire, boy, be aisy and kape yourself sweet for the enemy's fire;
General Lee is the chap that shortly will plaze ye, be the Holy St. Patrick!" says Private Maguire
"And Lad if you're hit, oh, bedad that infernal, Jimmy O’Dowd could make love to Maria!
Oh, whether you're captain or major or colonel, you'll die with the best then," says Private Maguire!
"Oh, whether you're captain or major or colonel, you'll die with the best then," says Private Maguire!