A Norfolk folk singer, Walter Pardon was born in 1914 in the village of Kna… Read Full Bio ↴A Norfolk folk singer, Walter Pardon was born in 1914 in the village of Knapton. He lived in the same house all his life and was even born in it, and worked as a carpenter. In the 1970's a tape of his was heard by Peter Bellamy, another singer, and Walter Pardon became known to the wider world.
The Deserter
Walter Pardon Lyrics
We have lyrics for 'The Deserter' by these artists:
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As I was a-walking all along Ratcliffe Highway
The recruiting party by chance came my way
They saluted me, they treated me, till I did not know
And to the King's barracks they pushed me to go.
But I soon deserted and I thought myself free
But my cruel companions, they informed on me.
I was quickly sought after and brought back with speed,
And cuffed and guarded, heavy irons on me.
Court martial, court martial, court martial I got
The sentence passed on me for to be shot
May the good Lord have mercy on their sad cruelty
And know the King's duty lies heavy on me.
So again I escaped and I thought myself free
But my cruel sweetheart informed against me.
I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed,
In chains I was hung, heavy irons on me.
Court martial, court martial I very soon got
And they quickly passed sentence that I should be shot.
May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty,
For now the King'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?"
Shake up those heavy irons and let 'im go free
He'll make a good soldier, for his King and country.