[Verse 1] I signed my name in pencil On a boat made out of steel They gave me boots and orders But I kept my own ideal Sergeant said, “Move like thunder” I said, “I move like snow” I came in from the back door With my hat pulled low [Pre-Chorus] The shore was all smoke and drums The sky wore a hard blue face I took one look at the racket And I lost my proper place [Chorus] Not a commando, not a commando I’m a pacifist in the sand Not a commando, not a commando I shake hands when I can Not a commando, not a commando I’m a dance step, not a blow The sun is rising in the sky, but I am staying down But I am just a pacifist dancing in the night! [Verse 2] A shell went by like gossip A flag went out like heat I found a little rhythm In the pounding of my feet The boys all shouted bravely I answered with a grin If peace is ever guilty Then I’m guilty once again [Pre-Chorus] The sand kept swallowing tracks The wind kept changing its tune I tipped my cap to the madness And sang under the moon [Chorus] Not a commando, not a commando I’m a pacifist in the sand Not a commando, not a commando I shake hands when I can Not a commando, not a commando I’m a dance step, not a blow The sun is rising in the sky, but I am staying down But I am just a pacifist dancing in the night! [Bridge] If they ask why I’m smiling When the whole world calls for force Tell them I’ve seen enough trouble To prefer a gentler course Let the trumpets sound their warning Let the conch shell call the tide I’ll keep my white shoes moving And my stubborn peace inside [Final Chorus] Not a commando, not a commando I’m a pacifist in the sand Not a commando, not a commando I shake hands when I can Not a commando, not a commando I’m a dance step, not a blow The sun is rising in the sky, but I am staying down But I am just a pacifist dancing in the night!
