Johnny, O Johnny

Cat. #0540 (MFH #328) - As sung by Harrison Burnett, Fayetteville, Arkansas on August 18, 1960

VERSE 1
O, Johnny, my jewel
Would you think it unkind
For me to sit by you
An' tell you my mind

VERSE 2
My mind, is to marry
An' never to part
For th first time I saw you
You move'd my heart

VERSE 3
You was standing on picket
One cold snowy day
Your red rosy cheeks
They'd had all faded away

VERSE 4
Your red rosy cheeks
Their what grieved my heart so
Won't you let me go with you
O, Johnny, he said no

VERSE 5
Your waist it is to slender
Your fingers are to small
Your cheeks to red an' rosy
To face th cannonball

VERSE 6
I know my waist is to slender
An' I know my fingers small
But it would not make me quiver
To see ten thousand fall

VERSE 7
I will roach back my hair
An' mens clothing I'll put on
I will pass as your comrades
As we march along

VERSE 8
I will pass as your comrade
Your troubles, I will bless
Won't you let me go with you
O, Johnny, he said, yes

Variants