Page type: lyric reference
Artist: Sandy Denny
Canonical path: /sandy-denny/the-deserter
Related lyric paths: 6
Lyric guide
The Deserter
Read The Deserter lyrics by Sandy Denny on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.
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Curated by Ethan Walker
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Lyrics
The Deserter
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As I was a-walking along ratcliffe highway
A recruiting party came a-beating my way.
They enlisted me and treated me 'til I did not know
Unto 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 held 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 six,
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 Deserter"?
Sandy Denny performs "The Deserter", and this lyric page sits inside the Sandy Denny catalog on LyroVerse.
Are there related songs to explore after "The Deserter"?
Yes. The related section below points to Bruton Town and Autopsy with a short reason for opening each page next.
Where can I find more songs by Sandy Denny?
Use the artist link near the top of the page or the related paths section below to keep moving through Sandy Denny's lyric pages.
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