When going the road to sweet Athy, 
Hurroo! Hurroo!
When going the road to sweet Athy, 
A stick in my hand and a drop in my eye,
A doleful damsel I heard cry
Johnny I hardly knew ye.

With your drums and guns and guns and drums, 
Hurroo! Hurroo!
With your drums and guns and guns and drums, 
The enemy nearly slew ye.
Oh darling dear, you look so queer
Oh Johnny I hardly knew ye!

Where are your eyes that looked so mild,
Hurroo! Hurroo!
Where are the eyes that looked so mild
Hurroo! Hurroo!
When you my heart so beguiled
Why did you skedaddle from me and the child?
Oh Johnny, I hardly knew ye!

Where are the legs with which you run
Hurroo! Hurroo!
Where are the legs with which you run
When you went for to carry a gun
Indeed your dancing days are done
Oh Johnny I hardly knew ye!

I’m happy for to see you home
Hurroo! Hurroo!
All from the island of Ceylon
So low in flesh, so high in bone
Oh Johnny I hardly knew ye

With your drums and guns and guns and drums
Hurroo! Hurroo!
The enemy nearly slew ye,
Oh why did you go from me and the child
Oh Johnny I hardly knew ye.