The Deserter

D  C  G   D  C  G

   D                G              C
As I was a-walking along Ratcliffe Highway
Am  D                       G       C  D
A   recruiting party came a-beating my way.
       G             D               G         C
They enlisted me and treated me 'til I did not know
Am  D                            G         C  D
And to the Queen's barracks they forced me to go.

     D                   G              C
When first I deserted, I thought myself free
Am  D                      G        C      D
Un--til my cruel comrade informed  against me.
      G                D         G                 C
I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed,
Am    D                             G         C  D
I was handcuffed and guarded, heavy irons put on me.

      D                            G         C
Court martial, court martial, they held upon me
Am  D                                  G       C   D
And the sentence passed upon me, three hundred and three.
        G               D           G              C
May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty,
Am  D                         G     C  D
For now the Queen's duty lies heavy on me.

     D                  G              C
When next I deserted, I thought myself free
Am  D                         G       C      D
Un--til my cruel sweetheart informed against me.
      G                D         G                 C
I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed
Am    D                             G         C  D
I was handcuffed and guarded, heavy irons put on me.

      D                           G           C
Court martial, court martial then quickly was got
Am  D                                 G        C   D
And the sentence passed upon me, that I was to be shot.
        G               D           G              C
May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty,
Am  D                         G     C  D
For now the Queen's duty lies heavy on me.

     D                            G            C
Then up rode Prince Albert in his carriage and six,
Am       D                             G      C  D
Saying, “Where is that young man whose coffin is fixed?
        G             D         G          C
Set him free from his irons and let him go free,
Am        D                           G         C   D
For he'll make a good soldier for his Queen and country.”