Lyrics

JOHNNY HAS GONE FOR A SOLDIER

Verse One:
There she sits on Buttermilk Hill
Who could blame her cryin’ her fill
And every tear could turn a mill
Johnny has gone for a soldier

Verse Two:
Me-oh-my she loved him so
It broke her heart to see him go
They told her time will heal her woe
Johnny has gone for a soldier

Verse Three:
She sold her flax and sold her reel
She sold her only spinning wheel
To buy her love a sword of steel
Johnny has gone for a soldier

Verse Four:
She’ll dye her dress a burning red
And through the streets she’ll beg for bread
Till she finds her love alive or dead
Johnny has gone for a soldier

Instrumental break…

Verse Five:
Oh my baby, oh my love
Gone the rainbow, gone the dove
Your father was my only love
Johnny has gone for a soldier
Johnny has gone for a soldier
Johnny has gone for a soldier…

Artist Notes: This haunting song tells of the love story between a young wife and mother during war time in America, as she endures hardships to bring aid to her soldier husband.

This is a traditional song and is in the public domain.