As I was a-walking all along Ratcliffe Highway
The recruiting party come a-beating the drum
I was listed and attested, and before I did know
It's to the King's duty I was forc-ed to go.

Well, I quickly escaped and I thought myself free
'Til my cruel companions informed against me
I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed
In chains I was hung, heavy irons on me

Court martial, court martial, they held against me
And the sentence they gave me was three-hundred-and-three
May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty
For now the King's duty lies heavy on me

So again I escaped and I thought myself free
But my cruel sweetheart informed against me
I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed
In chains I was hung, heavy irons on me

Court martial, court martial I very soon got
And they quickly passed sentence that I should be shot
May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty
For now the King's duty lies heavy on me

So if ever you're a-walking along Ratcliff Highway
The recruiting party come a-beating the drum
Don't be listed and attested into the King's army
Or else the King's duty will lie heavy on thee