What makes you go abroad for strangers you could be safe at home free 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 behind a band, With a scarlet coat and a big hat, And a at your shoulder, The he took and he kissed the book, Oh poor Johnny what happen to ya? The recruiting sergeant marched From the Inn nearby at the of day, Johnny too with 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 face a soldier, But how will you fare there's lead in the air, Oh poor what'll happen to ya? What you go abroad fighting for strangers When you could be safe at home from 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 fell 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 two wooden pegs and empty sleeves, They carried him home and set him With a military pension and a from the crown. You an arm and you haven't a leg, The enemy slew you, You'll have to go out on the to beg, Oh poor Johnny what they done to ya? What makes you go fighting for strangers When you could be at home free from all dangers?