Interpretation

1st-2nd Stanza: The soldiers are bored because they have nothing to do.Thus, they are sitting on the roadside on a summer's day. Also, the only things they have to do are eat goober peas (peanuts) and chat. They make jokes at passing strangers too.

3rd-4th Stanza: The soldiers are slacking off when they are needed (eating goober peas). Also, the goober peas are "delicious" when compared to their other food. The soldiers realize how goofy their song is, and they can't think of an ending, so they make the ending they have. Also, the 4th stanza shows the poor living conditions. It shows the soldiers longing for their family too. The 4th stanza over all shows their eagerness to return home to their families.