I Used to Sit at Home All Day
U.S. Marine Corps Lyrics


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I used to sit at home all day (I used to sit at home all day)
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)
Don't put me on a silver jet (Put me on a silver jet)
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)

Overall Meaning

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.
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