Yarrow/Stookey © Neworld Media Music Publishers-
ASCAP/Silver Dawn Music- ASCAP
Version 1
The Cruel War is raging, Johnny has to fight
I want to be with him from morning to night.
I want to be with him, it grieves my heart so,
Won’t you let me go with you?
No, my love, no.
Tomorrow is Sunday, Monday is the day
That your Captain will call you and you must obey.
Your captain will call you it grieves my heart so,
Won’t you let me go with you?
No, my love, no.
I’ll tie back my hair, men’s clothing I’ll put on,
I’ll pass as your comrade, as we march along.
I’ll pass as your comrade, no one will ever know.
Won’t you let me go with you?
No, my love, no.
Oh Johnny, oh Johnny, I fear you are unkind
I love you far better than all of mankind.
I love you far better than words can e’re express
Won’t you let me go with you?
Yes, my love, yes.
Yes, My Love, Yes.
(LP) First Released: May 1962
Version 2
Oh Johnny, dear Johnny, Morning, noon and night,
I think of you marching, Left, right, left and right
I know you’re so gentle When you hold me tight,
Oh how will they make you Get out there and fight?
Go speak to your sergeant, And say you want out,
Just say you’re allergic To this kind of bout.
Oh Johnny, dear Johnny, Yes, I know you’re brave,
But oh how I miss you, It’s your love I crave.
Oh why did the army Take you from my side,
To go into battle, Away from your bride.
Version 3
The cruel war is raging Johnny has to fight
I want to be with him From morning till night
I’m counting the minutes The hours and the days,
Oh Lord, stop the cruel war, For this, my heart prays.
I made my decision, I will join up too,
Oh Johnny, dear Johnny, I’ll soon be with you.
We women are fighters, We can help you win,
Oh Johnny, I’m hoping, That they’ll take me in.
Repeat first verse
Version 4
- The cruel war is raging, Johnny has to fight.
I long to be with him From morning ’till night.
I want to be with him, It grieves my heart so
Won’t you let me come with you? No, my love, no. - Tomorrow is Sunday, Monday is the day
That your captain will call You and you must obey
Your captain will call you, It grieves my heart so
Won’t you let me come with you? No, my love, no. - I’ll tie back my hair, Men’s clothing I’ll put on.
I’ll pass for your comrade As we march along.
I’ll pass for your comrade, No one will ever know
Won’t you let me come with you? No, my love, no. - Oh Johnny, oh Johnny, I feel you are unkind
I love you far better Than all of mankind
I love you far better Than words can e’er express
Won’t you let me come with you? Yes, my love, yes. - They marched into battle, She never left his side
‘Til a bullet shell struck her And love was denied.
A bullet shell struck her, Tears came to Johnny’s eyes
As he knelt down beside her, She silently died.