Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier

Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier-James Taylor

            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wzBlotbSeo

            Above is a James Taylor version of the old English folk song, and similar to an earlier Irish tune. It's a YouTube link.

            In this video most scenes are from Shiloh National Military Park in Tennessee, USA. Here's a wiki link on Shiloh National Military Park (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiloh_National_Military_Park).

Here's one history on the lyrics:

            This is probably an American adaptation of the Irish tune Shule Aroon which dates back to the 17th Century. It is also known as Buttermilk Hill and Shule Agra (the version at this site being a variant). Johnny's Gone For a Soldier was popular during the the American Revolutionary War.

            Here's one lyrics:

Here I sit on Buttermilk Hill
Who can blame me, cryin' my fill
And ev'ry tear would turn a mill,
Johnny has gone for a soldier.

Me, oh my, I loved him so,
Broke my heart to see him go,
And only time will heal my woe,
Johnny has gone for a soldier.

I'll sell my rod, I'll sell my reel,
Likewise I'll sell my spinning wheel,
And buy my love a sword of steel,
Johnny has gone for a soldier.

I'll dye my dress, I'll dye it red,
And through the streets I'll beg for bread,
For the lad that I love from me has fled,
Johnny has gone for a soldier.

For other variations, extra history, and other similar subjects, here's one link:  http://www.contemplator.com/america/johnny.html