When Johnny Comes Marching Home
"When Johnny Comes Marching Home" has endured throughout the years. You probably recognize the melody and may know other words to it. It expressed people's hope for when their sons and fathers would return, not if they would return.
It was published by the Irish-American bandleader Patrick Gilmore in 1863, two years into the war. It was immensely popular and was sung by both sides of the conflict. It later became popular in England as well.
When Johnny Comes Marching Home
Patrick Gilmore, 1863
Singer: Ronnie Gilbert and Fiddle Fever
1. When Johnny comes marching home again
Hurrah! Hurrah!
We'll give him a hearty welcome then
Hurrah! Hurrah!
The men will cheer and the boys will shout
The ladies they will all turn out
And we'll all feel gay
When Johnny comes marching home.
2. The old church bell will peal with joy,
Hurrah! Hurrah!
To welcome home our darling boy,
Hurrah! Hurrah!
The village lads and lassies say
With roses they will strew the way,
And we'll all feel gay
When Johnny comes marching home.
3. Get ready for the Jubilee,
Hurrah! Hurrah!
We'll give the hero three times three,
Hurrah! Hurrah!
The laurel wreath is ready now
To place upon his loyal brow
And we'll all feel gay
When Johnny comes marching home.
4. Let love and friendship on that day,
Hurrah, hurrah!
Their choicest treasures then display,
Hurrah, hurrah!
And let each one perform some part
To fill with joy the warrior's heart,
And we'll all feel gay
When Johnny comes marching home.
And we'll all feel gay
When Johnny comes marching home.
Here is an amazing, completely different interpretation of this song sung by Angel Snow. There are some variations to the lyrics as well as the music.
When Johnny Comes Marching Home
Patrick Gilmore, 1863
Singer: Angel Snow
1. When Johnny comes marching home again
Hurrah! Hurrah!
We'll give him a hearty welcome then
Hurrah! Hurrah!
The men will cheer and the boys will shout
The ladies they will all turn out
And we'll all feel gay
When Johnny comes marching home.
2. The old church bell will peal with joy,
Hurrah!
To welcome home our darling boy,
Hurrah! Hurrah!
The village lads and lassies say
With roses they will strew the way,
And we'll all feel gay
When Johnny comes marching home.
3. When Johnny comes marching home again
Hurrah! Hurrah!
We'll all shine brightly from within
Hurrah! Hurrah!
And let each one perform some part
And fill with joy the soldier's heart,
And we'll all feel gay
When Johnny comes marching home.
4. Get ready for the Jubilee,
Hurrah!
My loved one on that day I'll see,
Hurrah, hurrah!
The laurel wreath is ready now
To place upon his loyal brow
On that joyful day
When Johnny comes marching home.
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