What you go abroad fighting for strangers When you could be safe at home from all dangers? A recruiting sergeant 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 a military band, With a scarlet and a big cocked hat, And a at your shoulder, The he took and he kissed the book, Oh poor what 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 soldier he'd be for the King In a far off war in a far off To a foreign soldier, But how will you fare there's lead in the air, Oh poor Johnny what'll to ya? What makes you go fighting for strangers When you could be at home free from all dangers? The sun shone hot on a barren As a thin red line a military stand, There was sling shot, chain shot, shot too, Swords and thrusting through, Poor fell but the day was won And the is grateful to you But your soldiering's done and they're you home, Oh Johnny what have they done to ya? They said he was a and not to grieve Over two wooden and empty sleeves, They him home and set him down With a pension and a medal from the crown. You an arm and you haven't a leg, The enemy slew you, You'll to go out on the streets to beg, Oh poor Johnny what they done to ya? What makes you go fighting for strangers When you could be safe at free from all dangers?