Page type: lyric reference
Artist: Richard Thompson
Canonical path: /richard-thompson/the-desert
Related lyric paths: 6
Video embedded: yes
Lyric guide
The desert
Read The desert lyrics by Richard Thompson on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.
person
Curated by Ethan Walker
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Lyrics
The desert
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As I was a-walking down Radcliffe highway
A recruiting party came a-beating my way
They enlisted me and treated me till I did not know
And to the Queen's barracks they forced me to go
When first I deserted, I thought myself free
Until my cruel comrade informed against me
I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed
I was handcuffed and guarded, heavy irons put on me
Court martial, court martial, they help upon me
And the sentence passed upon me, three hundred and three
May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty
For now the Queen's duty lies heavy on me
When next I deserted, I thought myself free
Until my cruel sweetheart informed against me
I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed
I was handcuffed and guarded, heavy irons put on me
Court martial, court martial, then quickly was got
And the sentence passed upon me, that I was to be shot
May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty
For now the Queen's duty lies heavy on me
Then up rode Prince Albert in his carriage and sticks
Saying "Where is that young man whose coffin is fixed?
Set him free from his irons and let him go free
For he'll make a good soldier for his Queen and country
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Who performs "The desert"?
Richard Thompson performs "The desert", and this lyric page sits inside the Richard Thompson catalog on LyroVerse.
Are there related songs to explore after "The desert"?
Yes. The related section below points to Bogie's bonnie belle and A heart needs a home with a short reason for opening each page next.
Where can I find more songs by Richard Thompson?
Use the artist link near the top of the page or the related paths section below to keep moving through Richard Thompson's lyric pages.
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