Soldiers marching

1 Soldiers marching
ta-rata-ta-ta
the streets of Bethlehem,
ta-rata-ta-ta
a little king to find
ta-rata-ta-ta
for Herod's peace of mind,
ta-rata-ta-ta
rata-ta-ta, rata-ta-ta
since the wise men spoke
ta-rata-ta-ta
of a star.

2 Soldiers knocking
ta-rata-ta-ta
on doors of Bethlehem,
ta-rata-ta-ta
obeying Herod's will
ta-rata-ta-ta
all infant boys to kill,
ta-rata-ta-ta
rata-ta-ta, rata-ta-ta
paying well to know
ta-rata-ta-ta
where they are.

3 Soldiers marching
ta-rata-ta-ta
away from Bethlehem,
ta-rata-ta-ta
despising mothers' cries,
ta-rata-ta-ta
to Herod telling lies;
ta-rata-ta-ta
rata-ta-ta, rata-ta-ta
Jesus whom they seek
ta-rata-ta-ta
is afar.

Michael Perry (1942 - 1996)
© Mrs B Perry/Jubilate Hymns Ltd