1 Out from the campfire's red glowing,
Cheerfully shedding the light,
Onto the pickets we're going,
For the long watches of night;
Let us be careful that slumber
Press not our eyelids too hard,
Surely not one of our number
Must be found sleeping on guard.

Chorus:
Sleeping on guard, sleeping on guard;
No! Surely not one of our number
Must be found sleeping on guard.

2 Yonder Rum's camp lights are burning,
Hark is the revelry there!
Waiting the conflict's returning,
Scouts are abroad ev'rywhere;
We must be watchful and ready,
See ev'ry entrance is barred,
Keeping our heads cool and steady;
All is lost sleeping on guard. [Chorus]

3 Our aim is vigilance ever,
We can allow no defeat;
True hearted soldiers will never
Join in the coward's retreat;
Wary and watchful be keeping
Tho' the task be e'er so hard,
Knowing what dangers come creeping
When we are sleeping on guard. [Chorus]