Song information On this page you can find the lyrics of the song The Deserter, artist - Fairport Convention. Album song The Airing Cupboard Tapes, in the genre Date of issue: 29.03.2009
Record label: Talking Elephant
Song language: English
The Deserter |
| As I was a-walking down Radcliffe highway |
| A recruiting party came a-beating my way |
| They enlisted me and treated me till I did not know |
| And to the Queen’s barracks they forced me to go |
| When first I deserted, I thought myself free |
| Until my cruel comrade informed against me I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed |
| I was handcuffed and guarded, heavy irons put on me Court martial, court martial, they help upon me And the sentence passed upon me, three hundred and three |
| May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty |
| For now the Queen’s duty lies heavy on me When next I deserted, I thought myself free |
| Until my cruel sweetheart informed against me I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed |
| I was handcuffed and guarded, heavy irons put on me Court martial, court martial, then quickly was got |
| And the sentence passed upon me, that I was to be shot |
| May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty |
| For now the Queen’s duty lies heavy on me Then up rode Prince Albert in his carriage and sticks |
| Saying «Where is that young man whose coffin is fixed? |
| Set him free from his irons and let him go free |
| For he’ll make a good soldier for his Queen and country» |