Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier
Encyclopedia
"Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier" is an American folk music
song that dates to the American Revolution
. The lyrics lament the sacrifices that men and women make in going off to war.
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Siúil A Rúin
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And every tear would turn a mill. Johnny has gone for a soldier.
(Chorus, All): Shule, shule, shulagra, sure and sure and he loves me.
When he comes back we'll married be, Johnny has gone for a soldier.
(Verse II, Men): Me, oh my, I love him so, Broke my heart to see him go
And only time will heal my woe. Johnny has gone for a soldier.
(Verse III, Women):I'll sell my rod, I'll sell my reel, likewise I'll sell my spinning wheel.
And buy my love a sword of steel. Johnny has gone for a soldier.
(Repeat Chorus, All)
(Verse IV, Men): With fife and drum I marched away, I could not heed what she did say,
I'll not be back for many a day. Johnny has gone for a soldier.
(Verse V, Women): I'll dye my dress, I'll dye it red, and through the streets I'll beg for bread,
The lad that I love from me has fled. Johnny has gone for a soldier.
(Repeat Chorus, All)
American folk music
American folk music is a musical term that encompasses numerous genres, many of which are known as traditional music or roots music. Roots music is a broad category of music including bluegrass, country music, gospel, old time music, jug bands, Appalachian folk, blues, Cajun and Native American...
song that dates to the American Revolution
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
. The lyrics lament the sacrifices that men and women make in going off to war.
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Origins
The tune and lyrics are very similar to the 17th century Irish tuneMusic of Ireland
Irish Music is the generic term for music that has been created in various genres on the island of Ireland.The indigenous music of the island is termed Irish traditional music. It has remained vibrant through the 20th, and into the 21st century, despite globalizing cultural forces...
Siúil A Rúin
Siúil A Rúin
"Siúil a Rúin" is a tradtional Irish song, sung from the point of view of a woman lamenting a lover who has embarked on a military career, and indicating her willingness to support him...
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Lyrics
(Verse I, All): There I sat on Buttermilk Hill, who could blame me cry my fill?And every tear would turn a mill. Johnny has gone for a soldier.
(Chorus, All): Shule, shule, shulagra, sure and sure and he loves me.
When he comes back we'll married be, Johnny has gone for a soldier.
(Verse II, Men): Me, oh my, I love him so, Broke my heart to see him go
And only time will heal my woe. Johnny has gone for a soldier.
(Verse III, Women):I'll sell my rod, I'll sell my reel, likewise I'll sell my spinning wheel.
And buy my love a sword of steel. Johnny has gone for a soldier.
(Repeat Chorus, All)
(Verse IV, Men): With fife and drum I marched away, I could not heed what she did say,
I'll not be back for many a day. Johnny has gone for a soldier.
(Verse V, Women): I'll dye my dress, I'll dye it red, and through the streets I'll beg for bread,
The lad that I love from me has fled. Johnny has gone for a soldier.
(Repeat Chorus, All)