Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier
Love's Sacrifice: Johnny's Departure Unveiled
Lyrics
Here I sit on Buttermilk Hill
Expressing a contemplative state while situated on Buttermilk Hill.
Here I sit and cry my fill
Conveying deep sorrow and lamentation.
And my tears could turn a mill
Symbolizing the abundance of tears shed, comparing them to the potential to turn a mill.
Johnny has gone for a soldier
Indicating that Johnny has enlisted as a soldier and left.
Siul siul siul a gra
Siul siul siul a gra – Possible reference to a mournful melody or expressing sorrow.
Me, oh my, I loved him so
Expressing intense love for Johnny.
But only time will heal my woe
Acknowledging that only time can alleviate the speaker's grief.
Johnny has gone for a soldier
Reiterating that Johnny is away as a soldier.
I'll sell my rod, I'll sell my reel
Willing to sacrifice personal possessions (rod and reel) to provide Johnny with protection (sword and shield).
To buy my love a sword and shield
Continuing the theme of ensuring Johnny's safety and well-being.
But now he lays murdered on the field
Expressing the tragic outcome of Johnny's military service, as he is now deceased on the battlefield.
Johnny has gone for a soldier
Repeating the realization that Johnny has gone for a soldier with added emphasis on the somber mood.
Siul siul siul a gra
Reiteration of the mournful siul siul siul a gra, emphasizing the depth of emotional pain.
Me, oh my, I love him so
Reaffirming the strong affection the speaker holds for Johnny.
But only time will heal my woe
Reiterating that only the passage of time can ease the speaker's sorrow.
Johnny has gone for a soldier
Confirming Johnny's absence as a soldier and the lingering pain associated with it.
Siul siul siul a gra
Repetition of the mournful siul siul siul a gra, underlining the enduring emotional distress.
Me, oh my, I love him so
Restating the deep love for Johnny.
But only time will heal my woe
Reemphasizing that only time can alleviate the speaker's grief over Johnny's departure.
Johnny has gone for a soldier
Final confirmation of Johnny's enlistment as a soldier and the resulting separation.
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