Beat! Beat! Drummer boy, beat loud on your drum!
What cares do you have beating out rum tum tum?
March! March! Soldier boy, march until you drop.
What hope do you have that this war will stop?
Cringe! Cringe! Coward, cringe! Cringe from your fears.
What proof do you have that your fears bring tears?
Cry! Cry! Homeless lad, cry to your God.
What cloak do you have but the cloak of sod?
Scold! Scold! Mother dear, scold all your sons.
What love do you have in a word that stuns?
Drive! Drive! Father dear, drive for your boss.
What wealth do you have, money gain is loss?
Kiss! Kiss! Lover, kiss. Adultery is sweet.
What guilt do you have, we so seldom meet?
Pray! Pray! Optimist, pray for an end to strife.
What chance do you have that you’ll survive your wife?
Curse! Curse! Pessimist, curse the world’s fate.
What cure do you have now that it’s too late?
Brag! Brag! Autocrat, brag about your deeds.
What sign do you have that your way succeeds?
Teach! Teach! Mystic, teach! Teach your holy laws.
What truth do you have free from any flaws?
Write! Write! Wise old man, write about your dreams.
What words do you have that can muffle screams?