As I was a-walking up a fair London street
A recruiting party I chanced for to meet
They enlisted me and treated me till I did not know
And to the Queen's barracks they forced me to go
The first time I deserted I thought myself free
But my cruel comrade informed against me
I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed
I was handcuffed, I was guarded, heavy irons on me
Court martial, court martial, they held against me
And the sentence passed on me was three hundred and three
"May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty
For you see the Queen's duty now lies heavy on me"
The next time I deserted I thought myself free
But my cruel sweetheart informed against me
I was quickly followed after, and brought back with speed
I was handcuffed, I was guarded, heavy irons on me
Court martial, court martial, was very soon got
And the sentence passed on me that I had to be shot
"May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty
For you see the Queen's duty now lies heavy on thee"
Now it's down comes Prince Albert in his carriage-and-six
Saying, "Bring me that young man whose coffins is fixed
Release him from his irons and let him go free
For he'll make a good soldier for his Queen and country."