Story Behind The Song

Song I have loved since I first heard Peter Paul and Mary sing this years ago

Song Description

Young woman wants to be with young man going off to war

Lyrics

"The Cruel War"

The cruel war is raging, Johnny has to fight
I long to be with him from morning til 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 most 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 as you comrade, as we march along.
I'll pass as your comrade, no one will ever know.
Won't you let me come with you?
No my love, no

Break

Oh Johnny, oh Johnny, I feel your are unkind
I love you far better than all of mankind.
I love you far better than words can e're express
Won't you let me come with you
Yes, my love, yes

They marched into battle, she never left his side
til a bulletshell struck her and love was denied.
A bulletshell struck her, tears came to Johnny's eyes
as he knelt down beside her,
she silently died.