To Thomas Atkins

PRELUDE TO "BARRACK-ROOM BALLADS"

    I have made for you a song
    And it may be right or wrong,
But only you can tell me if it's true.
    I have tried for to explain
    Both your pleasure and your pain,
And, Thomas, here's my best respects to you!

    O there'll surely come a day
    When they'll give you all your pay,
And treat you as a Christian ought to do;
    So, until that day comes round,
    Heaven keep you safe and sound,
And, Thomas, here's my best respects to you!