Gone With the Draft

Performed by the King Cole Trio
Recorded December 6, 1940
Written by Earl Dramin, Wesley Prince, Nat King Cole

Gone, gone, gone with the draft,
Gone, gone, gone with the draft...

When skinny me went out with my honey, the boys all started to laugh;
But now it's not so funny - they're all gone with the draft.

As a shiek, I can't be beat - the boys all hand me a laugh.
But since I have got flat feet, I'm not gone in the draft.

(Bridge 1:)
I used to envy the fellows who had such fine physiques;
But all they can say is "Hello" on seven-fifty a week.

When the boys get back and see how I'm doin',
they'll be sorry they laughed;
'Cause one can't keep on wooing and still be gone with the draft.

(Instrumental Interlude: 1 Verse, 1 Bridge and 1 Verse)

When Franklyn D did sign the draft, the cats all had a chill;
The boys turned pale and ceased to laugh, 'cause this is a serious bill.

They now realize that skinny me was the luckiest one of all,
Who can stay at home with Minnie, while they face the cannon balls.

(Bridge 2:)
So boys, take it on the chin, and always wear a smile;
You'll find it hard to win carryin' fifty pounds for miles.

When your year of drill is up, you get your calves discharged,
You can come back home and freshen up, and run around at large.

(Coda:)
Gone, gone, gone, gone with the
Draft, draft, draft, draft.