The previous thread on this song asked for a missing verse that was never supplied. Here's my transcription from the entry in BROADSIDE #50. Yes, this is the same John Brunner who wrote all that award-winning science fiction!

THE DESERTER
(Boris Vian--Translation by John Brunner)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0fxfog_ShY

This letter, gentlemen,
Is to you politicians--
You men in high positions--
Please read it when you can.

When I woke up today
Orders were waiting for me
To go and join the army,
At once without delay.

I shall not, gentlemen!
That's why I write this letter,
To say that men had better
Refuse to fight again.

My words are blunt, I'm sure.
I don't want to upset you;
I only want to let you
Know that we are sick of war.

I've seen for many years
How they have killed the others,
Seen brothers snatched from brothers,
And children left in tears

Mothers with swollen eyes
Weep while the rich, not hearing--
Too busy profiteering!--
Grow fat on crimes and lies.

I've seen the prisoners:
What did they do to merit
This sapping of their spirit,
This theft of what they were?

Tomorrow, I'll be gone;
I'll slam the door behind me
On all that might remind me
Of cruelty and wrong.

Then I will take my way,
Around the world I'll travel
To speak out against evil,
And everywhere I'll say:

It's good to be alive,
For all mankind are brothers,
In this land and all others,
So help your brothers thrive.

If blood is to be shed
Shed yours, you politicians,
You men in high positions,
And be it on your head!

Pursue me if you will;
Call out your troops and arm them--
Tell them I will not harm them!
Unarmed, I'm safe to kill.

---

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0fxfog_ShY