As I was a-walking along the highway
The recruiting party come a-beating that way
They enlisted me and treated me 'til I did not know
Then to the Queen's barracks they forced me to go
When first I deserted I thought myself free
Until my cruel comrades informed against me
I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed
I was handcuffed and guarded heavy irons put on me
When next I deserted I thought myself free
Until my cruel sweetheart informed against me
I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed
I was handcuffed and guarded heavy irons put on me
Court martial court martial then quickly was got
And the sentence pa**ed upon me that I was to be shot
Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty
For now the Queen's duty lays heavy on me
Then up rode Prince Albert in his carriage-and-six
Saying "Where is that young man whose coffin is fixed?
Set him free from his irons and let him go free
For he'll make a good soldier for his Queen and country"
As I was a-walking along the highway
The recruiting party come a-beating that way
They enlisted me and treated me 'til I did not know
Then to the Queen's barracks they forced me to go