Lyrics The Deserter - Martin Carthy

I was once young and foolish like many lads here
I am fond of my rambling and I am fond of my beer
But if I had my own home and my sweet liberty
I′d do no more soldiering neither by land nor by sea
Now the first time I deserted and I thought myself free
Until my cruel comrade informed against me
I was quickly followed after, I was brought back with speed
Laid in the king's guardroom, heavy irons put on me
Court marshal, court marshal was very soon got
And the sentence passed on me was that I was to be shot
May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty
For now the king′s duty lies heavy on me
You take off those heavy irons and you let him go free
And he'll prove a brave soldier for his queen and country
You take off those heavy irons and you let him go free
And he'll prove a brave soldier for his king and country
But if I had my own home and my sweet liberty
I′d do no more soldiering neither by land nor by sea