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I was once young and foolish like many lads here |
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I am fond of my rambling and I am fond of my beer |
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But if I had my own home and my sweet liberty |
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I'd do no more soldiering neither by land nor by sea |
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Now the first time I deserted and I thought myself free |
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Until my cruel comrade informed against me |
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I was quickly followed after, I was brought back with speed |
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Laid in the king's guardroom, heavy irons put on me |
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Court marshal, court marshal was very soon got |
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And the sentence passed on me was 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 king's duty lies heavy on me |
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You take off those heavy irons and you let him go free |
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And he'll prove a brave soldier for his queen and country |
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You take off those heavy irons and you let him go free |
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And he'll prove a brave soldier for his king and country |
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But if I had my own home and my sweet liberty |
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I'd do no more soldiering neither by land nor by sea |
