Monday, October 27, 2014

"The Cruel War" (1966) by Peter, Paul, and Mary

Peter, Paul, and Mary released "Cruel War" in 1966. Even though the Vietnam War serves as a backdrop due to the time frame, the lyrics speak of a woman yearning to join her beloved soldier, "Johnny," in fighting the Civil War.

The lyrics that I found include the last part which is excluded from the song in the video. It mentions that she is killed at the side of her beloved.

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.



4 comments:

  1. Appears to be not original lyrics.Like the song!

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    Replies
    1. Correct. Neither the lyrics nor music is period. I suppose I should have posted that, but the thought never entered my mind that it could have been considered anything other than modern.

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  2. I was taught this song when I was a Girl Scout back in 1967-73. We were told then it came from the Civil War. It was a song we sang around the campfire or group gatherings.

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