From the 1917 musical “Her Regiment”.
Words by William Le Baron.
Music by Victor Herbert.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
I have always heard how very fascinating
Are the soldiers in their regimental braid
And of course I’ve always known
That a uniform alone
Is invincible to almost any maid
But I wonder if you’re not exaggerating
When you think that every girl should be your prey
For, though, many of you disarm
With your military charm
It is true, that a few aren’t that way
Which are you, miss?
Well, I really hate to say
But your debt, ’tis a kiss
Oh, my debts, I never pay
Refrain:
Soldier men, now and then, captivate a girl
Make her thrill when you drill
As the flags unfurl
With just half a start, you’ll steal her heart
Leave her with a longing that will linger
But beware, you may fare badly in that game
I’m afraid every maid isn’t quite the same
When you chance to find the other kind
She will wind you ’round her little finger