The Deserter
Duty's Heavy Chains: The Deserter's Tale Unveiled
Lyrics
As I was a-walking along Ratcliffe Highway
Walking along Ratcliffe Highway.
A recruiting party came a-beating my way.
A military recruitment party approached the speaker.
They enlisted me and treated me 'til I did not know
The speaker was enlisted and treated until confused.
Unto the Queen's barracks they forced me to go.
Forced to go to the Queen's barracks.
When first I deserted, I thought myself free
After desertion, the speaker felt free initially.
Until my cruel comrade informed against me.
Betrayed by a comrade; caught and informed against.
I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed,
Quickly followed, handcuffed, and guarded with irons.
I was handcuffed and guarded, heavy irons put on me.
The speaker is heavily restrained and controlled.
Court martial, court martial, they held upon me
Court martial held, and the speaker is sentenced to 303 lashes.
And the sentence passed upon me,
Explicit mention of the harsh punishment.
Three hundred and three.
Expressing hope for mercy despite the cruelty.
May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty,
Reflection on the heavy burden of duty on the Queen.
For now the Queen's duty lies heavy on me.
Continued sense of duty's weight on the speaker.
When next I deserted, I thought myself free
Similar sequence as earlier desertion; betrayal by sweetheart.
Until my cruel sweetheart informed against me.
Caught again, handcuffed, and guarded with irons.
I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed
Repetition of the process of capture.
I was handcuffed and guarded, heavy irons put on me.
Heavy irons restrain the speaker once more.
Court martial, court martial then quickly was got
Swift court martial; sentenced to be shot this time.
And the sentence passed upon me, that I was to be shot.
Explicit mention of the harsher punishment.
May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty,
Hope for mercy despite the severity of the sentence.
For now the Queen's duty lies heavy on me,
Continued reflection on the heavy duty to the Queen.
Then up rode Prince Albert in his carriage and six,
Prince Albert arrives, inquires about the sentenced man.
Saying, "Where is that young man whose coffin is fixed?
Requests the release of the speaker for potential military service.
Set him free from his irons and let him go free,
Freeing the speaker and emphasizing potential as a soldier.
For he'll make a good soldier for his Queen and country."
Recognizing the speaker's value for Queen and country.
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