You Can't Say No To a Soldier

Performed by Joan Merrill
Recorded July 1942
Written by Mack Gordon, Harry Warren
From the film, "Iceland"

Listen little lady, it's the order of the day
Issued by the highest of authority
Fellows in the service simply can't be turned away
You know that defense but get priority
So if you're patriotically inclined
Heed the call to arm and keep this thought in mind
You can't say no to a soldier, a sailor or a handsome marine
No, you can't say no if he wants to dance
If he's gonna fight he's got a right to romance

So, get out your lipstick and powder
Be beautiful and beautiful too
If he's not your type then it's still okay
You can always kiss him in a sisterly way
Oh, you can't say no, no you gotta give in
If you want him to win for you

You simply can't say no, no no no no no no
To a soldier or a handsome marine
Lady, what you you say, if he said, "let's dance"?
I'd say bother, you have got a right to romance, let's dance
So, get out your lipstick and powder
Be beautiful and beautiful too
If he says it's cold on those submarines
You can knit a sweater, but that's not what he means

Oh you can't say no, no no no no no no
Then [?]
Oh, you better give in
If you want him to win for you

[lyrics transcribed by listening. Send corrections via the contact link on the main page]