| Version 3 Play/Download Music File Ron Clarke |
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| This is probably an American adaptation of the Irish tune
Shule Aroon which dates back to the 17th Century. It is also known as Buttermilk Hill and Shule Agra (the version at this site being a variant). Johnny's Gone For a Soldier was popular during the the American Revolutionary War.
There are variations at: According to one theory, the tune Shule Agra arose out of the Glorious Revolution of 1688. The Irish supported James II, and were defeated at the Boyne. William III, who defeated James, offered forgiveness to the rebels who would swear loyalty to him, but many preferred exile. The only evidence for this theory, is that some English versions have the line "But now my love has gone to France, To try his fortune to advance...." |
With fife and drum he marched away He would not heed what I did say He'll not come back for many a day Johnny has gone for a soldier. Shule, shule, shule agra Sure, ah sure, and he loves me When he comes back we'll married be Johnny has gone for a soldier. I'll go up on Portland Hill And there I'll sit and cry my fill And every tear should turn a mill Johnny has gone for a soldier. Shule, shule, shule agra Sure, ah sure, and he loves me When he comes back we'll married be Johnny has gone for a soldier. I'll sell my rock, I'll sell my reel I'll sell my flax and spinning wheel To buy my love a sword of steel Johnny has gone for a soldier. Shule, shule, shule agra Sure, ah sure, and he loves me When he comes back we'll married be Johnny has gone for a soldier. I'll dye my petticoats crimson red Through the world I'll beg my bread I'll find my love alive or dead Johnny has gone for a soldier. Shule, shule, shule agra Sure, ah sure, and he loves me When he comes back we'll married be Johnny has gone for a soldier. |
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| Lyrics from Ron Clarke | |