THE CRUEL WAR IS RAGING
(learned at Teton Tea Parties in the 1960s; written by Peter, Paul and Mary)
The cruel war is raging, poor Johnny has to fight,
Tomorrow is Sunday, and Monday is the day
I'll go to your captain, I'll get down on my knees,
Your waist is to slender, your fingers are too small,
As you go into battle, by night and by day,
Oh, Johnny, oh, Johnny, I think you are unkind,
I'll brush back my hair, men's clothes I'll put on,
(from miriam berg's folksong collection)
I long to be with him, from morning till night.
I long to be with him, it grieves my heart so,
Won't you let me go with you? No, my love no.
Your captain calls for you, and you must obey.
Your captain calls for you, it grieves my heart so,
Do let me go with you? No, my love no.
Ten thousand gold guineas I'll give for your release.
Ten thousand gold guineas, it grieves my heart so,
Do let me go with you? No, my love no.
Your cheeks are too rosy to face the cannon ball.
Your cheeks are too rosy, it grieves my heart so,
Do let me go with you? No, my love no.
Those red rosy cheeks they will soon fade away.
Those red rosy cheeks that I love so,
I long to be with you? No, my love no.
I love you far better than all other mankind.
I love you far better than tongue can express,
Please let me go with you, Yes, my love, yes.
I'll pass as your comrade as we march along.
I'll pass as your comrade, and none will ever guess
Please let me go with you, Yes, my love, yes.