What you go abroad fighting for strangers When you could be safe at home from all dangers? A recruiting 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 a military band, a scarlet coat and a big cocked hat, And a musket at shoulder, The shilling he and he kissed the book, Oh Johnny what will happen to ya? The recruiting sergeant marched the Inn nearby at the break of day, Johnny went too half a ring He was off to be a soldier he'd be fighting for the In a far off war in a far off To a foreign soldier, But how will you fare when lead in the air, Oh poor what'll happen to ya? What makes you go abroad for strangers When you could be safe at home free 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 bayonets through, Johnny fell but the day was won And the King is to you But soldiering's done and they're sending you home, Oh poor Johnny what they done to ya? They he was a hero and not to grieve Over two wooden pegs and 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 nearly you, You'll have to go out on the to beg, Oh poor what have they done to ya? What makes you go abroad for strangers When you could be safe at free from all dangers?