I said: ?I leave my bit of land- 
In khaki they've entwined me, 
I go abroad to lend a hand.? 
Said she: ?My love, I understand. 
I will be true, and though we part 
A thousand years you hold my heart'- 
The girl I left behind me. 

I went away to fight the Huns- 
No coward thought could bind me, 
I sizzled n the tropic suns, 
I faced the bayonets and the guns. 
And when in daring deeds I shone 
One little woman spurred me on- 
The girl I left behind me. 

Out there, in grim Gallipoli. 
Hard going they assigned me, 
I pricked the Turk up from the sea; 
I riddled him, he punctured me; 
And, bleeding in my rags, I said: 
?She'll meet me somewhere if I'm dead- 
The girl I left behind me. 

In France we broke the German's face- 
They tried with gas to blind me. 
In mud we bogged from front to base, 
And dirt was ours, but not disgrace. 
They carved me till I couldn't stand. 
Said I ?Now for the Lodden, and 
The girl I left behind me. 

I came ashore, and struck the track; 
For dust you scarce could find me. 
The dear girl gave no welcome back- 
Shed changed her names and state, alack! 
?You've been a time, I must say, Ned, 
In finishing your old war.? Said 
The girl I left behind me. 

I flung a song up to the skies. 
For battles gods designed me. 
I think of Fifi's laughing eyes, 
And Nami, dusk, but sweet and wise, 
And chortle in my heart to find 
How very far I've left behind- 
The girl I left behind me.