As I was a -walkin' all along
Radcliffe
Highway
The recruiting party come
a -beatin' their drum
I was listed and attested and
before I did know
It's to the
King's duty I was forced to go
Well I quickly escaped and
I thought myself free
Till my cruel companions
they informed against me
I was quickly followed after and
brought back with speed.
In chains I was hung, heavy irons on me.
Court martial, court martial, they held against me,
and the sentence they gave me was three hundred and three.
May the
Lord have mercy on their souls for their sad cruelty,
for now the
King's duty lies heavy on me.
So again I escaped and I thought myself free,
but my cruel sweet touch informed against me.
I was quickly followed after an
d brought back with speed.
In chains I was hung, heavy irons on me.
Court -martial, court -martial, I very soon got,
and they quickly passed sentence that I should be shot.
May the
Lord have mercy on their souls for their sad cruelty,
for now the
King's duty lies heavy on me.
So if ever you're a -walkin' on a long rat -cliff highway,
the recruiting party come a -beating their drum.
Don't be listed or attested into the
King's army, or else the
King's duty will lie heavy on thee.