[Intro]
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As I was a-walking along Ratcliffe Highway
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A recruiting party came a-beating my way.
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They enlisted me and treated me 'til I did not know
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And to the Queen's barracks they forced me to go.
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When first I deserted, I thought myself free
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Un--til my cruel comrade informed against me.
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I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed,
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I was handcuffed and guarded, heavy irons put on me.
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Court martial, court martial, they held upon me
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And the sentence passed upon me, three hundred and three.
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May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty,
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For now the Queen's duty lies heavy on me.
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When next I deserted, I thought myself free
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Un--til my cruel sweetheart informed against me.
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I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed
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I was handcuffed and guarded, heavy irons put on me.
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Court martial, court martial then quickly was got
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And the sentence passed upon me, that I was to be shot.
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May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty,
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For now the Queen's duty lies heavy on me.
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Then up rode Prince Albert in his carriage and six,
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Saying, “Where is that young man whose coffin is fixed?
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Set him free from his irons and let him go free,
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For he'll make a good soldier for his Queen and country.”
