What makes you go fighting for strangers you could be safe at home free from all dangers? A recruiting came our way To an Inn nearby at the of day He said young Johnny you're a fine man Would you like to march along a military band, With a scarlet coat and a big hat, And a at your shoulder, The shilling he and he kissed the book, Oh poor Johnny what will to ya? The recruiting sergeant marched From the Inn nearby at the of day, went 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 there's in the air, Oh poor what'll happen to ya? What you go abroad fighting for strangers When you could be safe at home free all dangers? The sun shone hot on a land As a thin red line took a stand, There was sling shot, 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 and they're sending you home, Oh poor Johnny what have they to ya? They said he was a hero and not to Over two wooden and empty sleeves, They carried him and set him down With a military pension and a from the crown. You an arm and you haven't a leg, The enemy slew you, have to go out on the streets to beg, Oh poor Johnny what have done to ya? makes you go abroad fighting for strangers When you be safe at home free from all dangers?