[Verse 1]
Here I sit on Buttermilk Hill
Who can blame me cry my fill?
And every tear would turn a mill

[Refrain]
Johnny has gone for a soldier

[Chorus]
Shoo-lah, shoo-lah, shoo-lah, gro
Me, oh my, I love him so
And only time will heal my woe

[Refrain]
Johnny has gone for a soldier

[Verse 2]
I'll sell my clock, I'll sell my wheel
To buy my love a sword of steel
So it in battle he may wield

[Refrain]
Johnny has gone for a soldier

[Instrumental Break]
[Chorus]
Shoo-lah, shoo-lah, shoo-lah, gro
Me, oh my, I love him so
And only time will heal my woe

[Refrain]
Johnny has gone for a soldier

[Verse 3]
I'll dye my petticoats, crimson red
And through the streets I'll beg my bread
'Til he come back and we are wed

[Refrain]
Johnny has gone for a soldier (Johnny has gone for a soldier)