| Version 2 Play/Download Music File Lesley Nelson |
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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 American Revolutionary War.
I learned this version in the early 70s. It is similar to a version that was done by Peter Paul and Mary. 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...." |
Here I sit on Buttermilk Hill Who could blame me cry my fill, Every tear would turn a mill, Johnny's gone for a soldier. Oh my baby, oh my love, Gone the rainbow, gone the dove, Your father was my only love, Johnny's gone for a soldier. Me, oh my, I loved him so, It broke my heart to see him go, And only time will heal my woe, Johnny's gone for a soldier. Oh my baby, oh my love, Gone the rainbow, gone the dove, Your father was my only love, Johnny's gone for a soldier. I sold my flax, I sold my my wheel, To buy my love a sword of steel, So it in battle, he may wield, Johnny's gone for a soldier. Oh my baby, oh my love, Gone the rainbow, gone the dove, Your father was my only love, Johnny's gone for a soldier. |
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