Oh I wish I were on yonder hill
It's there I'd sit and cry my fill
'Til every tear would turn a mill
My Johnny's gone for a soldier

Well, Johnny, my love, he went away
He would not heed what I did say
He won't be back for many's a day
My Johnny's gone for a soldier

Chorus:
Shule, shule, shule a gra
Oh shule, oh shule and he loves me
When he comes back, he will marry me
My Johnny, he has gone for a soldier

I'll sell my rack, I'll sell my reel
I'll sell my only spinning wheel
And buy my love a sword of steel

I'll dye my petticoat, I'll dye it red
Around the world I'll bake my bread
'Til I find my love alive or dead
My Johnny, he has gone for a soldier

(Chorus)

But now my love, he has gone to France
To try his fortune to advance
If he returns, it is but a chance
My Johnny, he has gone for a soldier

(Chorus)

I wish, I wish, I wish in vain
I wish I had my heart again
'Tis gladly I would not complain
My Johnny, he has gone for a soldier

(Chorus 2x)

My Johnny, he has gone for a soldier