Folk Song for May 2027: Johnny Has Gone For a Soldier

"Johnny Has Gone For a Soldier" is an Irish folk song that also became popular during the American War of Independence. Wikipedia notes that "The tune and lyrics are very similar to the 17th century Irish tune "Siúil A Rún" on which the song is based." Some versions include the chorus that sounds like "Shool a roo," but many do not (including most of those linked below). Peter, Paul and Mary featured the chorus and two of the verses in their 1963 recording "Gone the Rainbow."

Lyrics (as found here. You may wish to compare them with those on Mama Lisa's World. Many versions say "Buttermilk Hill" instead of "Portland Hill.")

With fife and drum he marched away
He would not heed what I did say
He'll not come back for many a day
Johnny has gone for a soldier

Chorus:
Shule shule shule shule agra
Sure a sure and he loves me
When he comes back he'll marry me
Johnny has gone for a soldier

I'll go up on Portland hill
And there I'll sit and cry my fill
And every tear should turn a mill
Johnny has gone for a soldier

I'll sell my rock, I'll sell my reel
I'll sell my flax and spinning wheel
To buy my love a sword of steel
Johnny has gone for a soldier

I'll dye my petticoats crimson red
Through the world I'll beg my bread
I'll find my love alive or dead
Johnny has gone for a soldier

Video Links

Suzy Bogguss (from The American Folk Songbook) Female vocalist, easy to follow

HistoryProductionAD Revolutionary War tribute video with soundtrack by James Taylor and violinist Mark O'Connor.

James Taylor and Mark O'Connor. Same recording but without the visuals.

Szabo Music (includes lyrics) Male vocalist with piano.

Gentle Eyes. Female vocalist with guitar.

Kronos Quartet. More for listening than for singalong, but really beautiful.

Film clip from Sharpe's Battle (2006) Short but poignant.

For more information on our folk songs, and for Amazon affiliate 

links to purchase individual songs, see our AO Folk Songs page.

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