I was leavin' in the afternoon   Headin' off to war   Gonna lick them yankee dogs   They won't be around no more      But I will return   My love I will return   I will return   My love I will return      I won't be gone a week   Before we teach 'em right   Gotta let them boys know   That they south knows how to fight      But I will return   My love I will return   I will return   My love I will return      Oh you foolish boy   You don't know what you're in for   But you can head out on your own   And learn the truth of war      So go and fight your war   Foolish boy go and fight your war   Go and fight your war   Foolish boy go and fight your war      And when I'm old and gray   I'll remember your words well   So you can tell me how soon you will be home   And then you can go to hell      So go and fight your war   Foolish boy go and fight your war   So go and fight your war   Foolish boy go and fight your war      But I will return   Go and fight your war   My love I will return   Boy go fight your war