I Used to Sit at Home All Day
U.S. Marine Corps Lyrics
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Letting my life just a slip away (Letting my life just a slip away)
Then one day a man in blue (Then one day a man in blue)
Said son I got a job for you (Son I got a job for you)
Free room and board and a plate of food (Room and board and a plate of food)
And a brand new tailored business suit (Brand new tailored business suit)
We′ll teach you how to drill, we'll teach you how to run (Teach you how to drill, teach you how to run)
We′ll even teach you how to shoot a gun (We'll even teach you how to shoot a gun)
The air was cold, the ground was wet (The air was cold, the ground was wet)
Paris Solemn was the name of the place (Paris Solemn was the name of the place)
Sand fleas biting me all over the face (Sand fleas biting me all over the face)
When I saw that smokey bear (When I saw that smokey bear)
Razor sharp teeth they′re everywhere (Razor sharp teeth they′re everywhere)
Then I saw my GI's face (Then I saw my GI′s face)
That man came private all over the place (Man came private all over the place)
(Ad-lib)
The lyrics of the U.S. Marine Corps song, "I Used to Sit at Home All Day," tell the story of an aimless young man who was given direction and purpose when he was recruited by the Marines. The first verse reveals his state of mind before joining the Corps. He was wasting his life away, sitting at home with no real direction. However, his life changed when a Marine recruiter offered him a job that provided him with food, shelter, and clothing. The second verse describes the training the young man underwent to become a Marine. They taught him how to drill, run, and use a gun.
The third verse takes the listener to Paris Island, the legendary Marine Corps training base. The lyrics describe the harsh conditions the recruits face, including sand fleas and challenging weather conditions. They see the iconic Smokey Bear and mention his razor-sharp teeth. The final line of the song describes an incident in which a fellow private lost control over his bodily functions. These lyrics are a testament to the tough training that every Marine goes through to become one of the best warriors in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
I used to sit at home all day
I used to waste my life doing nothing productive
Letting my life just slip away
I was losing the opportunity to make something of my life
Then one day a man in blue
Then one day, a military recruiter approached me
Said son I got a job for you
He offered me a job opportunity
Free room and board and a plate of food
He promised me free accommodation and meals
And a brand new tailored business suit
As part of the deal, I was to receive a stylish, new uniform
We'll teach you how to drill, we'll teach you how to run
The military would train me in physical fitness and combat techniques
We'll even teach you how to shoot a gun
The military would teach me how to handle firearms and engage in warfare
Don't put me on a silver jet
I didn't want to fly in an aircraft
The air was cold, the ground was wet
The weather was uncomfortable and unpleasant
Paris Solemn was the name of the place
The location where I was sent was called Paris Island
Sand fleas biting me all over the face
I had to deal with insect bites all over my face
When I saw that smokey bear
When I saw the iconic Marine Corps mascot
Razor sharp teeth they're everywhere
The teeth of the mascot seemed to be sharp and intimidating
Then I saw my GI's face
I saw the face of my fellow soldier
That man came private all over the place
That soldier was so excited to see me that he urinated uncontrollably
Writer(s): Traditional, Ella Blicker, Elena Schloss
Contributed by Leah J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.