1
Out from the campfire's red glowing,
Cheerfully shedding its light,
On to 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.

Refrain
Yes, 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 to the revelry there!
Waiting the conflict returning,
Scouts are abroad everywhere;
We must be watchful and ready,
See every entrance is barred,
Keeping our heads cool and steady—
All is lost, sleeping on guard.

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