What makes you go abroad for strangers When you could be safe at free from all dangers? A sergeant came our way To an Inn at the close of day He said young you're a fine young man Would you like to march behind a military band, With a scarlet coat and a big hat, And a musket at shoulder, The he took and he kissed the book, Oh poor Johnny will happen to ya? The recruiting sergeant away From the Inn at the break of day, Johnny went too half a ring He was off to be a he'd be fighting for the King In a far off war in a far off To a foreign soldier, But how will you fare when there's in the air, Oh poor what'll happen to ya? What makes you go fighting for strangers When you could be safe at home free all dangers? The sun hot on a barren land As a thin red took a military stand, was sling shot, chain shot, grape shot too, Swords and bayonets through, Poor Johnny but the day was won And the King is to you But your soldiering's done and they're you home, Oh Johnny what have they done to ya? They he was a hero and not to grieve Over two pegs and empty sleeves, They carried him and set him down a military pension 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 what they done to ya? What makes you go abroad fighting for When you could be at home free from all dangers?