The Halliard - The Deserter lyrics

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