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