Johnny I hardly knew ye

While going the road to sweet Athy aroo aroo
While going the road to sweet Athy aroo aroo
A stick in me hand and a tear in me eye
A doleful damsel I heard cry Johnny I hardly knew ye

With your drums and guns and guns and drums aroo aroo
With your drums and guns and guns and drums aroo aroo
With your drums and guns and guns and drums the enemy nearly slew ye
My darling dear you look so queer Johnny I hardly knew ye

Where are the eyes that look so mild aroo aroo
Where are the eyes that look so mild aroo aroo
Where are the eyes that look so mild when me heart ye first beguiled
Why did you run from me and the child Johnny I hardly knew ye

Where are the legs with which you run aroo aroo
Where are the legs with which you run aroo aroo
Where are the legs with which you run when you went to shoulder a gun
Indeed your dancing days are done Johnny I hardly knew ye

It grieved my heart to see you sail aroo aroo
It grieved my heart to see you sail aroo aroo
It grieved my heart to see you sail though from me heart you took leg bail
Like a cod you're doubled up head and tail Johnny I hardly knew ye

I'm happy for to see you home aroo aroo
I'm happy for to see you home aroo aroo
I'm happy for to see you home all from the island of Sulloon
So low in flesh so high in bone Johnny I hardly knew ye