What makes you go abroad for strangers When you could be safe at home free all dangers? A recruiting sergeant 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 behind a band, With a coat and a big cocked hat, And a at your shoulder, The shilling he took and he the book, Oh poor what will happen to ya? The recruiting sergeant marched From the Inn at the break of day, Johnny went too 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 lead in the air, Oh poor Johnny happen to ya? What you go abroad fighting for strangers When you could be safe at home free from all The sun shone hot on a barren As a thin red took a military stand, There was shot, chain shot, grape shot too, Swords and bayonets through, Poor Johnny but the day was won And the King is to you But soldiering's done and they're sending you home, Oh poor what have they done to ya? said he was a hero and not to grieve Over two pegs and empty sleeves, They him home and set him down a military pension and a medal from the crown. You an arm and you haven't a leg, The nearly slew you, You'll to go out on the streets to beg, Oh poor what have they done to ya? What makes you go abroad for strangers When you could be safe at home from all dangers?