Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier

Info

This folk song was popular throughout the American Revolutionary War. (source)

Lyrics

(Folk song)

Here I sit on Buttermilk Hill
Who can blame me, cryin’ my fill
And ev’ry tear would turn a mill,
Johnny has gone for a soldier.

Me, oh my, I loved him so,
Broke my heart to see him go,
And only time will heal my woe,
Johnny has gone for a soldier.

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.

I’ll dye my dress, I’ll dye it red,
And through the streets I’ll beg for bread,
For the lad that I love from me has fled,
Johnny has gone for a soldier.

See also

  • Subject: love
  • Meter: 4
  • Scale: hexatonic
  • Tones: drmslt
  • Source: World of Music, Grade 8, Silver Burdett Company, 1988

YouTube

  • PDF of song with chords
  • MIDI file
  • Listen to the melody

Share this post

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top