I heard all them pretty girls singin’ all them pretty words, and how
I heard all them pretty girls singin’ all them pretty words, oh wow
Now I'm sick and broken hearted and I know what that song means now

I heard ‘em sing old blues and sing about the mules and plough
I heard ‘em sing their blues and sing about their mules and plough
Now I'm hardscrabble farmin’ and I know what that song means now

Reveille was called and I thought about the laurel bough
Reveille was called and I dreamt about the laurel bough
My legs have both been shattered and I know what that song means now
My sons have both been slaughtered and I know what that song means now

I heard a little bird chirp and then I thought I heard a meow
I heard a little bird, he chirped and then I thought I heard a meow
But I been walking around hungry and I know what that song means now

I heard ‘em sing the hymns and I heard fire and brimstone avowed
I heard ‘em sing their hymns and in tongues I heard brimstone avowed
But brother, I found the Lord and I know what that song means now
And that collection plate goes ‘round and I know what that song means now