With drums and fifes

With drums and fifes I have often marched,

beside drums and fifes I have often presented arms.

Before drums and fifes I have often advanced

toward the enemy - hurrah!

The drums and fifes - I hear them no longer,

and if the drums and fifes moved closer,

behind the drums and fifes would hobble too heavily

my wooden leg, o woe!

If drums and fifes came into my sight,

I would stop my ears against those drums and fifes,

for drums and fifes I cannot endure -

they would break my heart.

Drums and fifes, they were my sound -

drums and fifes, a soldier's song;

You drums and fifes, my whole life long,

cheer for Emperor and Army!