A comedy song from 1953.
Words and music by Tom Lehrer.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- Be prepared! That’s the Boy Scout’s marching song
Be prepared! As through life you march along
Be prepared to hold your liquor pretty well
Don’t write naughty words on walls if you can’t spell
Be prepared! To hide that pack of cigarettes
Don’t make book if you cannot cover bets
Keep those reefers hidden where you’re sure
That they will not be found
And be careful not to smoke them
When the scoutmaster’s around
For he only will insist that it be shared
Be prepared! - Be prepared! That’s the Boy Scouts’ solemn creed
Be prepared! And be clean in word and deed
Don’t solicit for your sister, that’s not nice
Unless you get a good percentage of her price
Be prepared! And be careful not to do
Your good deeds when there’s no one watching you
If you’re looking for adventure
Of a new and different kind
And you come across a Girl Scout
Who is similarly inclined
Don’t be nervous, don’t be flustered, don’t be scared
Be prepared!