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.