McCa**ery
Kind friends take warning by my sad tale
As I lay here in Strangeways Gaol
My thoughts, my feelings, no tongue can tell
As I am listening to the prison bell.
When I was seventeen year of age
Into the army I did engage.
I did enlist with a good intent
To join the Forty Second Regiment.
To Fullwood Barracks I did go
To serve some time at that depot.
From trouble there I necer was free
Because my captain took a dislike to me.
When I was stationed on guard one day
Some children came near me to play,
My officer from his quarters came
And ordered me to take their parents' name.
My officer's orders I did fulfill
I took their name against my will.
I took one name instead of three
"Neglect of Duty" was the charge against me.
In the orderly-room next morning I did appear
My C.O. refused my plea to hear,
Anf quickly he had signed my crime
And to Fullwood Barracks I was then confined.
With a loaded rifle I did prepare
To shoot my captain on the barrack square;
It was Captain Neill that I meant to k**,
But I shot my colonel against my will.
I done the deed, I shed his blood,
And at Liverpool Assizes my trial stood;
The judge he says, "McCa**ery
Prepare yourself for the gallows-tree."
I have no father to take my part
I have no mother to break her heart,
I have one friend, and a girl is she
Would lay down her life for McCa**ery.
In Liverpool City this young man was tried
In Strangeways, Manchester, his body lies.
And all you young soldiers who pa** his grave,
Pray: Lord have mercy on McCa**ery.
From Lloyd, Folk Song in England. Sometimes called McCafferty.
See also CROPPY2
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