Fighting for Strangers
Fighting for Freedom: A Ballad of Sacrifice and Consequence
Lyrics
What makes you go abroad fighting for strangers
Questioning the motivation behind leaving home to fight for unknown people.
When you could be safe at home free from all dangers?
Highlighting the contrast between safety at home and the risks of fighting abroad.
A recruiting sergeant came our way
A military recruiter arrived.
To an Inn nearby at the close of day
The recruiter arrived at an Inn towards evening.
He said young Johnny you're a fine young man
The recruiter praised Johnny's qualities.
Would you like to march along behind a military band,
Inviting Johnny to join the military.
With a scarlet coat and a big cocked hat,
Describing the uniform with a red coat and a distinctive hat.
And a musket at your shoulder,
Depicting carrying a musket as part of the military service.
The shilling he took and he kissed the book,
Johnny accepted payment and took an oath.
Oh poor Johnny what will happen to ya?
Concern for Johnny's fate after joining the military.
The recruiting sergeant marched away
The recruiter departed the next morning.
From the Inn nearby at the break of day,
Johnny followed the recruiter.
Johnny went too with half a ring
Johnny had a half-formed commitment, a reference to an engagement.
He was off to be a soldier he'd be fighting for the King
He embarked on becoming a soldier for the King.
In a far off war in a far off land
He went to a distant land for war.
To face a foreign soldier,
Facing an enemy from a foreign country.
But how will you fare when there's lead in the air,
Concern about Johnny being in danger from enemy fire.
Oh poor Johnny what'll happen to ya?
Worry about Johnny's safety.
What makes you go abroad fighting for strangers
Repetition of the questioning of motivations for fighting abroad.
When you could be safe at home free from all dangers?
Reiterating the safety of staying home.
The sun shone hot on a barren land
Describing the harsh conditions in the foreign land.
As a thin red line took a military stand,
Depicting a military formation in battle.
There was sling shot, chain shot, grape shot too,
Mentioning various types of ammunition used in battle.
Swords and bayonets thrusting through,
Describing the melee of combat.
Poor Johnny fell but the day was won
Johnny was injured but the battle was won.
And the King is grateful to you
The King expressed gratitude, acknowledging Johnny's sacrifice.
But your soldiering's done and they're sending you home,
His military service ended, being sent home.
Oh poor Johnny what have they done to ya?
Concern for Johnny's altered state after war.
They said he was a hero and not to grieve
Reassurance about Johnny's heroism, despite physical losses.
Over two wooden pegs and empty sleeves,
Reference to his injuries - lost limbs.
They carried him home and set him down
Returning home and receiving recognition and support.
With a military pension and a medal from the crown.
Acknowledgment of his service through a pension and medal.
You haven't an arm and you haven't a leg,
Highlighting the severe physical losses - missing limbs.
The enemy nearly slew you,
Reflection on the injuries suffered in battle.
You'll have to go out on the streets to beg,
Concern about Johnny's future, potentially resorting to begging due to disabilities.
Oh poor Johnny what have they done to ya?
Expressing sorrow for Johnny's condition.
What makes you go abroad fighting for strangers
Reiteration of the puzzlement about fighting for strangers.
When you could be safe at home free from all dangers?
Reiterating the safety of staying at home rather than fighting abroad.
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