From the musical “Yip Yip Yaphank”, 1918
Words and music by Irving Berlin
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
Did you hear of the razor brigade?
Of the big reputation they’ve made?
Ever since they came to France
They’ve been used in ev’ry advance
They are noted for capturing Huns
And they never go in with their guns
When the Captain takes his stand
He gives them this command
Refrain
Take your trusty razor by the hand
Lead him gently into No-Man’s Land
Keep a-dancing while advancing
And the first Hun that you meet
Hold up your razors
And cut off his retreat
They’ll surrender when they see your blade
Razors make those German lads afraid
And when you bring your pris’ners back
You can make them ball the jack
And the world will say hip-hip-hooray
For the Ragtime Razor Brigade
Sung here by Laurence Rubenstein: