Synthesis of the Irish/American folk song "Johnny Has Gone for A Soldier" and Patrick S. Gilmore's "When Johnny Comes Marching Home". From "One Traveler".
Songwriter specializing in modern rock, country, easy listening and pop music.
I'm a songwriter with a wide variety of influences. I am currently seeking a publisher for one or more of my songs. Though I focus on commercially viable Country/Rock and Adult Contemporary, my wide range of infuences ensures that on any given CD of my work, there's something for all tastes in music.
Story behind the song
I found interesting the contrast between the unrequited privations the female character in Soldier" puts herself through, and the blissful adulation Johnny recieves in "Marching".
Lyrics
"Shule Agra (Johnny Has Gone For A Soldier)"
Irish/American Folk Song
"When Johnny Comes Marching Home"
Partrick S. Gilmore
"Johnny's Song" arranged by Capers Simmons
VERSE I
With fife and drum he marched away
He would not heed what she did say
He'll not come back for many a day
Johnny has gone for a soldier
VERSE II
She'll go up on Portland Hill
And there she'll sit and cry her fill
And every tear should turn a mill
Johnny has gone for a soldier
CHORUS I
The old church bell will peal with joy
Hurrah! Hurrah!
To welcome home our darling boy
Hurrah! Hurrah!
The village lads and lassies say,
With roses they will strew the way,
And we'll all feel gay,
when Johnny comes marching home.
VERSE III
She'll sell her rock, she'll sell her reel
When the flax is spun, she'll sell the wheel
Johnny has gone for a soldier
CHORUS II
Let love and friendship on that day,
Hurrah, hurrah!
Their choicest treasures then display,
Hurrah, hurrah!
And let each one perform some part,
To fill with joy the warrior's heart,
And we'll all feel gay,
when Johnny comes marching home.
BRIDGE
Shule, shule, shule agra
"Sure," she said, "and he loves me.
When he comes back, we'll married be."
But Johnny has gone for a soldier
VERSE IV
She'll dye her petticoats crimson red
Through all the world she'll beg her bread
To find her love alive, or dead
Johnny has gone for a soldier
CHORUS III
Get ready for the Jubilee,
Hurrah, hurrah!
We'll give the hero three times three,
Hurrah, hurrah!
The laurel wreath is ready now,
To place upon his loyal brow,
And we'll all feel gay,
when Johnny comes marching home.
CHORUS IV
When Johnny comes marching home again,
Hurrah, hurrah!
We'll give him a hearty welcome then,
Hurrah, hurrah!
The men will cheer, the boys will shout,
The ladies they will all turn out,
And we'll all feel gay,
when Johnny comes marching home.
