The boys out in the trenches have got a lot to say
Of the hardships and the sorrows that come a soldier's way
But we destroyer sailors would've liked their company
On a couple of trips in our lousy ships when we put out to sea

Oh, it's roll and toss and pound and pitch
And creak and groan you son of a bitch
Oh, boy, it's a hell of a life on a destroyer

The damned tin can destroyer was never meant for sea
You couldn't keep it steady in a lousy cup of tea
We carry guns, torpedoes and ash cans in a bunch
But the only time we hit our mark is when we shoot our lunch

Oh, it's roll and toss and pound and pitch
And creak and groan you son of a bitch
Oh, boy, it's a hell of a life on a destroyer

We have heard of muddy dugouts and shell holes filled with slime
Of cootie hunts and marches which fill a soldier's time
But set beside destroyer life, it all seems dull and pale
When the clinometer hops, the barometer drops, and we line up on the rail

Oh, it's roll and toss and pound and pitch
And creak and groan you son of a bitch
Oh, boy, it's a hell of a life on a destroyer

And when we're back in dry dock, we stagger like we're drunk
And wonder how we stood it, and why she never sunk
You lay out your civilian clothes, but just before you switch
Your sea bag's on your shoulder and you sign up for one more hitch

Oh, it's roll and toss and pound and pitch
And creak and groan you son of a bitch
Oh, boy, it's a hell of a life on a destroyer