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