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.