go tell the sergeant-major
to get that thing repaired
they're losing their pawns in Asia
there's slaughter in every square
oh --
it's going down slow  (2x)

go get the fire department
to bring that hose along
and them and the schoolboy bandits
can water each other's lawn
oh --
it's going down slow  (2x)

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
oh --
it's going down slow  (4x)

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