The Deserter

I was once young and foolish like many lads here
I am fond of my rambling and I am fond of my beer
But if I had my own home and my sweet liberty
I'd do no more soldiering neither by land nor by sea

Now the first time I deserted and I thought myself free
Until my cruel comrade informed against me
I was quickly followed after, I was brought back with speed
Laid in the king's guardroom, heavy irons put on me

Court marshal, court marshal was very soon got
And the sentence passed on me was that I was to be shot
May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty
For now the king's duty lies heavy on me

You take off those heavy irons and you let him go free
And he'll prove a brave soldier for his queen and country
You take off those heavy irons and you let him go free
And he'll prove a brave soldier for his king and country

But if I had my own home and my sweet liberty
I'd do no more soldiering neither by land nor by sea



Credits
Writer(s): Dp, Martin Carthy
Lyrics powered by www.musixmatch.com

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