Martin Carthy - The Deserter lyrics

I was once young and foolish like many lads here I am fond of my rambling and I am fond of my beer But if I had my own home and my sweet liberty I'd do no more soldiering neither by land nor by sea Now the first time I deserted and I thought myself free Until my cruel comrade informed against me I was quickly followed after, I was brought back with speed Laid in the king's guardroom, heavy irons put on me Court marshal, court marshal was very soon got And the sentence pa**ed on me was that I was to be shot May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty For now the king's duty lies heavy on me You take off those heavy irons and you let him go free And he'll prove a brave soldier for his queen and country You take off those heavy irons and you let him go free And he'll prove a brave soldier for his king and country But if I had my own home and my sweet liberty I'd do no more soldiering neither by land nor by sea