From the recording Singles
Lyrics
While goin' the road to sweet Athy, hurroo, hurrooWhile goin' the road to sweet Athy, hurroo, hurrooWhile goin' the road to sweet AthyA stick in me hand and a tear in me eyeA doleful damsel I heard cry,Johnny I hardly knew ye.
Chorus:
With your drums and guns and guns and drums, hurroo, hurrooWith your drums and guns and guns and drums, hurroo, hurrooWith your drums and guns and guns and drumsThe enemy nearly slew yeOh my darling dear, Ye look so queerJohnny I hardly knew ye.
Where are the eyes that looked so mild, hurroo, hurrooWhere are the eyes that looked so mild, hurroo, hurrooWhere are the eyes that looked so mildWhen my poor heart you first beguiledWhy did ye scadaddle from me and the childOh Johnny, I hardly knew ye.
(Chorus)
Where are your legs that used to run, hurroo, hurrooWhere are your legs that used to run, hurroo, hurrooWhere are your legs that used to runWhen you went to carry a gunIndeed your dancing days are doneOh Johnny, I hardly knew ye.
(Chorus)
I'm happy for to see ye home, hurroo, hurrooI'm happy for to see ye home, hurroo, hurrooI'm happy for to see ye homeAll from the island of CeylonSo low in the flesh, so high in the boneOh Johnny I hardly knew ye.
(Chorus)
Ye haven't an arm, ye haven't a leg, hurroo, hurrooYe haven't an arm, ye haven't a leg, hurroo, hurrooYe haven't an arm, ye haven't a legYe're an armless, boneless, chickenless eggYe'll have to be put with a bowl out to begOh Johnny I hardly knew ye.
(Chorus)
They're rolling out the guns again, hurroo, hurrooThey're rolling out the guns again, hurroo, hurrooThey're rolling out the guns againBut they never will take my sons againNo they'll never take my sons againJohnny I'm swearing to ye.