I saw Pete and Johnny too 

Dressed up in their Sunday suits 

Getting themselves all up to go 

Down to Richmond to the traveling show 

I fixed the gate like you told me to 

Done my chores like I always do 

And I won’t tell mama you let me go 

Down to Richmond to the traveling show 



Please Papa can I go 

Down to Richmond to the traveling show 

Please Papa don’t you say I can’t 

I just want to see the elephant 



I’ll borrow the truck from uncle Phil 

You know I can drive it well 

He won’t need it now that the hay’s all in 

Just let me go and see the elephant 



Sister she can’t go with me 

This is not for her to see 

Little brother you’ll get your chance 

To go down and see the elephant 



Little brother you’ll get your chance 

To go down and see the elephant 





They’re looking for a few good men 

Could be war by summer’s end 

Sure would hate it if I went 

And never got to see the elephant 



I saw Pete and Johnny too 

Dressed up in their Navy Blues 

Gettin’ themselves all up to go 

Down to Richmond to the traveling show