Deserter
Deserter's Struggle: Betrayal, Duty, and Redemption in Folk Ballad
Lyrics
As I was a-walking along Ratcliffe Highway
Setting: Ratcliffe Highway, where the narrator was walking.
A recruiting party came a-beating my way.
A recruiting party approached the narrator.
They enlisted me and treated me 'til I did not know
The narrator was enlisted and treated until confused.
Unto the Queen's barracks they forced me to go.
Forced to go to the Queen's barracks against their will.
When first I deserted, I thought myself free
The narrator initially thought they were free after deserting.
Until my cruel comrade informed against me.
A comrade betrayed the narrator, leading to their capture.
I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed,
Quickly followed, handcuffed, and guarded upon capture.
I was handcuffed and guarded, heavy irons put on me.
Heavy irons were put on the narrator.
Court martial, court martial, they held upon me
Court martial was held, and the narrator faced charges.
And the sentence passed upon me,
The sentence was severe - three hundred and three (punishment).
Three hundred and three.
A plea for mercy for the cruelty of the sentence.
May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty,
The duty to the Queen weighs heavily on the narrator.
For now the Queen's duty lies heavy on me.
When next I deserted, I thought myself free
Similar betrayal by a sweetheart led to recapture.
Until my cruel sweetheart informed against me.
Followed, handcuffed, and guarded again.
I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed
Heavy irons imposed once more.
I was handcuffed and guarded, heavy irons put on me.
Court martial, court martial then quickly was got
The plea for mercy is repeated.
And the sentence passed upon me, that I was to be shot.
The narrator faces the imminent punishment of being shot.
May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty,
Another plea for mercy for the harsh sentence.
For now the Queen's duty lies heavy on me,
The burden of duty to the Queen continues.
Then up rode Prince Albert in his carriage and six,
Prince Albert intervenes, offering a chance for redemption.
Saying, "Where is that young man whose coffin is fixed?
Asking for the release of the narrator for military service.
Set him free from his irons and let him go free,
Freeing the narrator from irons, with the potential to be a good soldier.
For he'll make a good soldier for his Queen and country."
Recognition of the narrator's potential service to Queen and country.
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