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