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Johnny Don't Go

from Whiskey, War & Whatnot by The Residuals

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  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    This is the physical version of The Residuals' second album, "Whiskey, War & Whatnot". At this time, digital download of the whole album is limited only to people who have purchased a copy of the compact disc.

    Comes in a cardstock case, which includes artwork by John Augustus Atkinson, Rick Kroener, and Meaghan Haughian. Brief liner notes can be seen inside.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Whiskey, War & Whatnot via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 7 days
    Purchasable with gift card

      $10 CAD or more 

     

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $1 CAD  or more

     

about

In folk songs, Johnnys consistently make their women weep by going to war and getting blown up. The Johnny in this song proves wiser. ~ Jeremy A. Cook

lyrics

Well Johnny donned his hat and coat one day
He was tired of farmer's pay
He wanted to march and drill with a gun
And ship o'erseas to fight The Hun.

Before he left to volunteer
He stopped in a pub to share a beer
With soldiers and salts who'd seen the fight
And learn which service would suit him right.

(Chorus)
Johnny don't go! Don't go to war!
Hark to those who've fought before.
Don't die on a battlefield's mud and gore.
Live in peace on Ireland's shore.

"Don't fight with the foot," the fusilier said,
"They've many fools and little bread
And if you're not slain by a rifle round
Fever will stick you underground."

"Don't fight with the horse," the dragoon barked,
"On top of a mare you're easily marked
And if they shoot your steed instead
Her falling weight will crush your head."

(Chorus)

"Don't fight on a ship," the deckhand roared,
"A sailor's life is squalid and bored.
A sinking ship's uncommon grim,
Especially if you cannot swim."

"Oh, what did you say," the cannoneer said,
"I'm deaf since a shell burst by my head.
Oh won't you spare a coin for a poor old man,
For no-one cares for a veteran."

(Chorus)

Well one Johnny's wife cries "I hardly knew ya."
Another Johnny's girl weeps "Súil a Grá".
But our Johnny pins a white feather to his chest
While his foolish chums get laid to rest.

'Cause he's got both his legs for games and dance.
He's got both his eyes for to seek romance.
Cowardice has a certain charm
With a lonely girl upon his arm.

(Chorus)

credits

from Whiskey, War & Whatnot, released March 16, 2016
Johnny Don't Go - Jeremy A. Cook
The College Groves - Traditional Irish

license

all rights reserved

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The Residuals Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan's one-of-a-kind Prairie Celtic band, the Residuals, has been playing acoustic folk music for over ten years. Drawing on Irish, Scottish, and Maritime music, they are at the forefront of a living Prairie Celtic tradition.

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