Ballad of the Black Beret
(after Ballad of the Green Beret by SSG Barry Sadler)
 
Whining soldiers heard on high
And you have to wonder why
We would care just what they say
But give them all a Black Beret

Nothing gleams upon their chest
They don’t have to be the best
One hundred men woke up today
Ninety-nine wear a Black Beret

Trained to do their jobs you see
Pretty much like you and me
They’re not bad, they’re A-OK
Give ‘em all a Black Beret

Nothing gleams upon their chest
They don’t have to be the best
Nearly all will wear today
Made in China Black Berets

Back at home an old vet waits
His Black Beret said he was great
This decision really stings
What he earned don’t mean a thing

Packed away inside a chest
Once it meant you were the best
Now they’ve thrown that all away
Everyone wears a Black Beret

All credit to the original artist.  Non-commercial, fair-use parody.

New words © 2000, 2001 IMNSHO.com