Here I sit on Butternut Hill, Who could blame me cry my fill? And ev'ry tear would turn a mill; Johnny has gone for a soldier.
Chorus (repeated after each verse): Shule, shule, shule agra, His nets and creel are laid away Till he comes back I'll rue the day Johnny has gone for a soldier.
With fifes and drums he marched away; The orders came, he couldn't stay. Till he comes back I'll rue the day Johnny is gone for a soldier.
I'd sell my ruck, I'd sell my reel, I'll even sell my spinning wheel, To buy my love a coat of steel; Johnny is gone for a soldier.