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Fighting For Strangers​/​Johnny, I Hardly Knew You

from Like the Willow Tree 1994 by Atwater-Donnelly

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Fighting For Strangers/Johnny, I Hardly Knew You
Traditional

lyrics

What makes you go abroad, fighting for strangers,
When you could be safe at home, free from all dangers?

With your guns and drums and drums and guns, hurroo, hurroo
With your guns and drums and drums and guns, hurroo, hurroo
With your guns and drums and drums and guns,
The enemy nearly slew you
Oh my darling dear, you look so queer
And Johnny I hardly knew ye

Where are your eyes that were so mild, hurroo, hurroo
Where are your eyes that were so mild, hurroo, hurroo
Where are your eyes that were so mild,
That looked upon the world and smiled
Why did you run from me and the child
Johnny, I hardly knew ye

Where are your legs that used to run, hurroo, hurroo
Where are your legs that used to run, hurroo, hurroo
Where are your legs that used to run,
When first you ran to carry a gun
Oh, I fear your dancing days are done
Johnny, I hardly knew you

You haven't an arm, you haven't a leg, hurroo, hurroo
You haven't an arm, you haven't a leg, hurroo, hurroo
You haven't an arm, you haven't a leg,
You're an eyeless, boneless, chickenless egg
You'll have to be put in a bowl to beg
Johnny, I hardly knew you

Instrumental

They're rolling out the guns again, hurroo, hurroo
They're rolling out the guns again, hurroo, hurroo
They're rolling out the guns again,
But they won't take our daughters and sons again
No, they won't take our daughters and sons again
Johnny, I'm swearing to you

credits

from Like the Willow Tree 1994, released April 9, 1994
Aubrey Atwater: vocals, guitar
Elwood Donnelly: vocals, wooden spoons
Steve LaValley: snare drum

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Atwater-Donnelly Warren, Rhode Island

Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly, present delightful programs of traditional American and Celtic folk songs, a capella pieces, old-time gospel songs, dance tunes, and original works, blending gorgeous harmonies with guitar, Appalachian mountain dulcimer, mandolin, tin whistle, harmonica, banjo, bones, spoons, limberjacks, and Appalachian clog dancing and French Canadian footwork. ... more

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