Here I sit on Buttermilk Hill
Who can blame me cry my fill?
And every tear would turn a mill

Johnny has gone for a soldier

Shoo-lah, shoo-lah, shoo-lah, gro
Me, oh my, I love him so
And only time will heal my woe

Johnny has gone for a soldier

I'll sell my clock, I'll sell my wheel
To buy my love a sword of steel
So it in battle he may wield

Johnny has gone for a soldier

Shoo-lah, shoo-lah, shoo-lah, gro
Me, oh my, I love him so
And only time will heal my woe

Johnny has gone for a soldier

I'll dye my petticoats, crimson red
And through the streets I'll beg my bread
'Til he come back and we are wed

Johnny has gone for a soldier (Johnny has gone for a soldier)