145. The Kerry Recruit
Chanson folk, contre le recrutement durant la 1ère Guerre Mondiale, Irlande (1915).
1. About four years ago I was digging the land With me brogues on me feet and me spade in me hand Says I to meself what a pity to see Such a fine strapping lad footin' turf in Tralee 2. So I buttered me brogues and shook hands with me spade I went off to the fair like a dashing young blade I met with a sergeant who asked me to 'list Arra sergeant a'gragh stuck the bob in me fist 3. And the first thing they gave me it was a red coat With a wide strap of leather to tie round me throat Then they gave me a queer thing, I asked what was that They told me it was a cockade for me hat 4. And the next thing they gave me they called it a gun With powder and shot and a place for me thumb First she spat fire and then she spat smoke She gave a great leap and me shoulder near broke 5. And the first place they sent me was down to the sea On board of a warship bound for the Crimea Three sticks in the middle all rolled round with sheet Faith she walked through the water without any feet 6. When at Balaclava we landed quite sound All cold wet and hungry we lay on the ground Next morning for action the bugle did call And we got a hot breakfast of powder and ball 7. We fought at the Alma likewise Inkerman But the Russians they whaled us at the Redan While scaling the walls there meself lost an eye And a big Russian bullet ran off with me thigh 8. It was there I lay bleeding all on the cold ground Heads legs and arms lay scattered all round Says I, If me mam and me claveens were nigh They'd bury me dacent and raise a loud cry 9. But they called a doctor who soon staunched me blood They gave me an elegant leg made of wood They gave me a medal and ten pence a day So contented with Sheila I'll live on half pay
