All my bags are packed I'm ready to go
I'm standing here on the barracks floor
I really hate to wake up and say goodbye
But the dawn is breaking it's five in the morning
The commander is standing at the open door
Already I'm so lonesome with 5,000 other guys I could cry

So write to me and send goodies
Tell me that my bed will wait for me
Cause I'm leaving on a big boat
I sure hope it stays afloat
Don't know when I'll be home again
Oh boy I hate to go, but the Navy say's to go, go, go.

There's so many times I told you no
So many times we moved around
I'll tell you now I don't know a thing
Every place I go I know I'll grow
The Navy has put my feet firm on the ground
The sun is rising and now I am spreading my wings

So write to me and send goodies
Tell me that my bed will wait for me
Cause I'm leaving on a big boat
I sure hope it stays afloat
Don't know when I'll be home again
Oh boy I hate to go, but the Navy say's to go, go, go

The time has come to be put on a ship
So for now I'll be on my way
Long warm showers and cozy beds will just have to wait
We won't let anyone give us lip
5,000 friends will be anchored a-weigh
Goodbye for now while I am on my way

So write to me and send goodies
Tell me that my bed will wait for me
Cause I'm leaving on a big boat
I sure hope it stays afloat
Don't know when I'll be home again
Oh boy I hate to go, but the Navy says to go, go, go