Tag 774 (Tag 70) und Peter, Paul And Mary: The Cruel War Is Raging

Ein Antikriegslied aus dem amerikanischen Bürgerkrieg, gesungen in den 60ern u.a. von Peter, Paul & Mary. Der Inhalt ist schnell erzählt:

Ein junger Mann wird einberufen. Seine Freundin will ihn begleiten, er verweigert das. Sie läßt nicht nach, kämmt ihre Haare zurück und zieht Männerkleidung an. Schließlich gibt er nach und beide ziehen ins Feld.

Allerdings: Die letzte Strophe wird in allen zugänglichen Versionen verschiedenster Interpreten nicht gesungen: Sie wird getroffen und stirbt leise.

The Cruel War

The Cruel War is raging, Johnny has to fight.
I want to be with him from morning to night.
I want to be with him, it grieves my heart so.
Won't you let me go with you? 
No, my love, no.

Tomorrow is Sunday, Monday is the day
That your Captain will call you and you must obey.
Your captain will call you it grieves my heart so.
Won't you let me go with you? 
No, my love, no.

 I'll tie back my hair, men's clothing I'll put on,
I'll pass as your comrade, as we march along.
I'll pass as your comrade, no one will ever know.
Won't you let me go with you?
No, my love, no.

Oh Johnny, oh Johnny, I fear you are unkind.
I love you far better than all of mankind.
I love you far better than words can e'er express.
Won't you let me go with you?
Yes, my love, yes...

 They marched into battle, she never left his side 
'Til a bullet shell struck her and love was denied
A bullet shell struck her, tears came to Johnny's eyes
As he knelt down beside her, she silently died.