Billy Boy
Charming Billy's Dilemma: A Ballad of Conscience and Courage
Lyrics
Will you go to the war, Billy boy, Billy boy?
Asking if Billy will join the war
Will you go to the war, charmin' Billy?
Repeating the question with endearment
It's a long ways away, they are dying every day
Describing the distance and constant deaths in the war
He's a young boy and cannot leave his mother
Explaining that Billy, being young, can't leave his mother
Can you use a bayonet, Billy boy, Billy boy?
Inquiring about Billy's ability to use a bayonet
Can you use a bayonet, charming Billy?
Repeating the question with endearment
No, I haven't got the skill to murder and to kill...
Billy denies having the skill to kill
Don't you want a silver medal, Billy boy, Billy boy?
Asking if Billy desires a silver medal
Don't you want a silver medal, charlin' Billy?
Repeating the question with endearment
No desire do I feel to defend Republic Steel...
Billy rejects the idea of defending Republic Steel
Don't you want to see the world, Billy boy, Billy boy?
Asking if Billy wants to see the world
Don't you want to see the world, charmin' Billy?
Repeating the question with endearment
No, it wouldn't be much thrill to die for Dupont in Brazil...
Billy doesn't find it thrilling to die for Dupont in Brazil
Girls would like your uniform, Billy boy, Billy boy
Suggesting that girls would be attracted to Billy's uniform
Girls would like your uniform, charlin' Billy
Repeating the suggestion with endearment
They wouldn't get much chance to love me with six feet of earth above me...
Implies that love would be challenging with the possibility of death
Are you afraid to fight, Billy boy, Billy boy?
Asking if Billy is afraid to fight
Are you afraid to fight, charling Billy?
Repeating the question with endearment
You can come around to me when England's a democracy...
Suggesting Billy can approach when England becomes a democracy
Will they take you from my side, Billy boy, Billy boy?
Asking if they will separate Billy from his loved ones
Will they take you from my side, charming Billy?
Repeating the question with endearment
Don't you worry, mother dear, I'm a-stayin' over here...
Billy reassures his mother that he is staying where he is
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