[Verse 1]
Go tell the sergeant-major
To get that thing repaired
They're losing their pawns in Asia
There's slaughter in every square

[Chorus]
Oh—
It's going down slow
Oh—
It's going down slow

[Verse 2]
Go get the fire department
To bring that hose along
And them and the schoolboy bandits
Can water each other's lawn

[Chorus]
Oh—
It's going down slow
Oh—
It's going down slow

[Verse 3]
Everybody seems to be leaving
Better say your travelling prayers
It don't matter how you get it
It's where do you go from there
[Chorus]
Oh—
It's going down slow
Oh—
Going down slow
Oh—
Going down slow
Mmm—
Going down slow

[Post-Chorus]
God, damn the hands of glory
That hold the bloody firebrand high
Close the book and end the story
Of how so many men have died
Let the world retain in memory
That mighty tongues tell mighty lies
And if mankind must have an enemy
Let it be his warlike pride
Let it be his warlike pride