Could this be the one? This is from Notes and Queries, Jan 27, 1912 (copy at archive.org). (The name at the end is the contributor, not the author!).

Mick

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" O FOR THE LIFE OF A SOLDIER ! " (11 S.
iv. 29.) I think the following are the words
of the song asked for by D. K. T. They are
as sung by a late brother-officer nearly
40 years ago :

The Life of a Soldier.
When I was a youngster, gossips would say

When I grew older I'd be a soldier ;
Rattles and toys I threw them away,

Except a drum and a sabre.
When I was older, as up I grew,
I went to see a grand review ;
Colours flying set me dying
To embark in a life so new.

Chorus.

R-r-r-r-roll, my merry drums, march away,
Soldier's glory lives in story,
His laurels are green when his locks are grey,
Then hurrah for the life of a soldier !

Enlisted to battle, we inarch along,
Courting danger, to fear a stranger,

The cannon keep time to our marching song,
And make each heart a hero's.

" Charge ! " our gallant leaders cry,

Up like lions then we fly,

Blood and thunder ! Knock foos under !

Then hurrah for victory !

Chorus. Roll, &c.

Who so merry as we in camp ?

The battle over, we live in clover ;
Care and his cronies arc forced to tramp,

And all is social pleasure.
Then we laugh, we chaff, we sing ;
Time flies merrily on the wing ;
Smiles of beauty lighten duty,
And each private is a king !

Chorus. Roll, &c.

C. HAGGARD.