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
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
This album speaks to the continuum of African diasporic culture that is central to the vibrant canon of Americana folk music. Bandcamp Album of the Day May 29, 2020
Sweet harmonies & strummed melodies; the duo delve into decades-old folk, jazz, and country to find a timeless kind of love and connection. Bandcamp New & Notable May 23, 2018
Celtic-inspired instrumentation, delicate harmonies, and reflective lyrics abound on the sisterly indie-folk duo's debut album. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 26, 2023
Scottish harpist and singer Rachel Newton brings an innovative, intensely emotional touch to traditional music on this dreamy LP. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 17, 2020
Bright and skipping songs that foreground the sound of the banjo and fingerstyle guitar in music that feels timeless. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 5, 2020
The Alabama duo's fifth album exults in dusty Americana, showcasing rich vocal harmonies alongside blissful folk instrumentation. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 31, 2024