What makes you go abroad fighting for you could be safe at home free from all dangers? A recruiting sergeant our way To an Inn at the close of day He said young Johnny you're a fine man Would you like to along behind a military band, With a scarlet coat and a big hat, And a at your shoulder, The shilling he and he kissed the book, Oh poor what will happen to ya? The recruiting sergeant marched From the Inn nearby at the of day, went too with half a ring He was off to be a soldier be fighting for the King In a far off war in a far off To a foreign soldier, But how you fare when there's lead in the air, Oh poor Johnny happen to ya? What makes you go fighting for strangers When you be safe at home free from all dangers? The sun shone hot on a barren As a thin red line took a stand, There was sling shot, chain shot, grape too, and bayonets thrusting through, Poor fell but the day was won And the King is to you But your soldiering's done and sending you home, Oh poor what have they done to ya? said he was a hero and not to grieve Over two pegs and empty sleeves, They him home and set him down With a military and a medal from the crown. You haven't an arm and you a leg, The enemy slew you, have to go out on the streets to beg, Oh poor Johnny have they done to ya? What makes you go fighting for strangers When you could be safe at home free from all