The Invalid Corps is a popular song dating from the time of the American Civil War, circa 1863. The first stanza tells the story of a Union conscript attempting to join the military, only to be rejected because of his poor health. The rest of the song humorously depicts the rejected conscript's experience in the Invalid Corps. The words and music were composed by Frank Wilder.
The Invalid Corps, or the Veteran Reserve Corps, was indeed a real branch of the military during the Civil War, created within the Union Army to allow partially disabled or formerly disabled soldiers to perform some form of light duty, thus allowing able soldiers to be sent to the front lines.
Song Lyrics[]
- I wanted much to go to war,
- And went to be examined;
- The surgeon looked me o'er and o'er,
- My back and chest he hammered.
- Said he, You're not the man for me,
- Your lungs are much affected,
- And likewise both your eyes are cock'd,
- And otherwise defected.
- Chorus:
- So, now I'm with the invalids,
- And cannot go and fight, sir!
- The doctor told me so, you know,
- Of course it must be right, sir!
See also[]
- Veteran Reserve Corps
External links[]
- http://www.musicanet.org/robokopp/usa/invalid.htm, full lyrics.