Page type: lyric reference
Artist: Steeleye Span
Canonical path: /steeleye-span/the-deserter
Related lyric paths: 6
Lyric guide
The Deserter
Read The Deserter lyrics by Steeleye Span on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.
person
Curated by Ethan Walker
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Lyrics
The Deserter
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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 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 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 Deserter"?
Steeleye Span performs "The Deserter", and this lyric page sits inside the Steeleye Span catalog on LyroVerse.
Are there related songs to explore after "The Deserter"?
Yes. The related section below points to A Calling-On Song and A Parcel of Rogues in a Nation with a short reason for opening each page next.
Where can I find more songs by Steeleye Span?
Use the artist link near the top of the page or the related paths section below to keep moving through Steeleye Span's lyric pages.
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