I'll Make a Man of You

I'll Make a Man of You is a World War I recruiting song that was sung across the country in hopes of rallying young men to enlist in the military. It is sung from a flirtatious young woman's perspective of how she dates military men in order to turn them into better soldiers. It was written and composed by Arthur Wimperis and Herman Finck in 1914. The song was also showcased in the musical and film, Oh, What a Lovely War!.

Lyrics
The Army and the Navy need attention The outlook isn't healthy you'll admit But I've a perfect dream of a new recruiting scheme Which I really think is absolutely it If only other girls would do as I do I believe that we could manage it alone For I turn all suitors from me, but the Sailor and the Tommy I've an Army and a Navy of my own

On Sunday I walk out with a Soldier Monday I'm taken by a Tar Tuesday I'm out with a baby Boy Scout On Wednesday a Hussar On Thursday I gang out wi' a Scottie On Friday the Captain of the crew But on Saturday I'm willing if you'll only take the shilling To make a man of any one of you

I teach the tenderfoot to face the powder That gives an added lustre to my skin And I show the raw recruit how to give a chaste salute So when I'm presenting arms, he's falling in It makes you almost proud to be a woman When you make a strapping soldier of a kid And he says, "You put me through it and I didn't want to do it But you went and made me love you, so I did!"

On Sunday I walk out with a Bosun On Monday a Rifleman in green On Tuesday I choose a Sub in the Blues On Wednesday a Marine On Thursday a Terrier from Tooting On Friday a Midshipman or two But on Saturday I'm willing if you'll only take the shilling To make a man of any one of you!