Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye
Johnny's Lament: A Tale of Love, Loss, and War
Lyrics
… When on the road to sweet Athy,
Referring to the journey towards Athy
Hurroo Hurroo
Expression of enthusiasm or cheer
When on the road to sweet Athy,
Repetition for emphasis on the journey to Athy
Hurroo Hurroo
Reiteration of enthusiasm or cheer
When on the road to sweet Athy
Continued emphasis on the journey to Athy
A stick in the hand, A drop in the eye
Describing someone with a stick in hand and appearing intoxicated
A doleful damsel I heard cry
Depiction of a sorrowful woman crying
Johnny I hardly knew ya
Addressee identified as Johnny, expressing unfamiliarity
… We had guns and drums and drums and guns,
Listing of military elements like guns and drums
Hurroo Hurroo
Reiteration of enthusiasm for military elements
We had guns and drums and drums and guns,
Repetition for emphasis on military instruments
Hurroo Hurroo
Expression of cheer or excitement
We had guns and drums and drums and guns
Continued emphasis on military elements
The enemy never slew ya
Assertion that the enemy did not defeat Johnny
Johnny I hardly knew ya
Reiteration of unfamiliarity with Johnny
… Where are the eyes that looked so mild,
Rhetorical question about the whereabouts of gentle eyes
Hurroo Hurroo
Expression of enthusiasm or cheer
Where are the eyes that looked so mild,
Repetition for emphasis on the question about eyes
Hurroo Hurroo
Reiteration of enthusiasm or cheer
Where are the eyes that looked so mild
Continued emphasis on the question about eyes
When my poor heart you first beguiled
Recalling when Johnny captivated the speaker's heart
Why did ya run from me and the child
Questioning Johnny's actions and departure
Johnny I hardly knew ya
Reiteration of unfamiliarity with Johnny
… We had guns and drums and drums and guns,
Listing of military elements, guns, and drums
Hurroo Hurroo
Reiteration of enthusiasm for military elements
We had guns and drums and drums and guns,
Repetition for emphasis on military instruments
Hurroo Hurroo
Expression of cheer or excitement
We had guns and drums and drums and guns
Continued emphasis on military elements
The enemy never slew ya
Assertion that the enemy did not defeat Johnny
Johnny I hardly knew ya
Reiteration of unfamiliarity with Johnny
… Where are the legs with which you run,
Rhetorical question about the location of running legs
Hurroo Hurroo
Expression of enthusiasm or cheer
Where are the legs with which you run,
Repetition for emphasis on the question about legs
Hurroo Hurroo
Reiteration of enthusiasm or cheer
Where are the legs with which you run,
Continued emphasis on the question about legs
When first you went to carry a gun
Recalling Johnny's initial decision to join the military
Indeed your dancing days are done
Acknowledging the end of Johnny's carefree days
Johnny I hardly knew ya
Reiteration of unfamiliarity with Johnny
… We had guns and drums and drums and guns,
Listing of military elements, guns, and drums
Hurroo Hurroo
Reiteration of enthusiasm for military elements
We had guns and drums and drums and guns,
Repetition for emphasis on military instruments
Hurroo Hurroo
Expression of cheer or excitement
We had guns and drums and drums and guns
Continued emphasis on military elements
The enemy never slew ya
Assertion that the enemy did not defeat Johnny
Johnny I hardly knew ya
Reiteration of unfamiliarity with Johnny
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