When I was eighteen years of age
Into the army I did engage
I left me home with a good intent
For to join the forty second regiment
While I was posted on guard one day
Some soldiers′ children came out to play
From the officers' quarters my captain came
And he ordered me for to take their names
I took one name instead of three
For neglect of duty they then charged me
I was confined to barracks with loss of pay
For doing my duty the opposite way
A loaded rifle I did prepare
For to shoot me captain on the barrack square
Well, it was my captain I meant to kill
But I shot me colonel against me will
At Liverpool assizes, me trial I stood
And I held me courage as best I could
Then the old judge said, "Now, McAverty
Go prepare your soul for eternity."
I had no father to take me part
No loving mother to break her heart
I had one friend and a girl was she
Who′d lay down her life for McAverty
So come all you officers take advice from me
And go treat your men with some decency
For it's only lies and tyranny
That have made a martyr of McAverty
Writer(s): Pd Traditional, Ciaron Bourke, Luke Kelly, Barney Mckenna, Ronnie Drew, John Sheehan Lyrics powered by www.musixmatch.com
