When on the road to sweet Athy, Hurroo Hurroo When on the road to sweet Athy, Hurroo Hurroo When on the road to sweet Athy A stick in the hand, A drop in the eye A doleful damsel I heard cry Johnny I hardly knew ya Where are the eyes that looked so mild, Hurroo Hurroo Where are the eyes that looked so mild, Hurroo Hurroo Where are the eyes that looked so mild When my poor heart you first beguiled Why did ya run from me and the child Johnny I hardly knew ya We had guns and drums and drums and guns, Hurroo Hurroo We had guns and drums and drums and guns, Hurroo Hurroo We had guns and drums and drums and guns The enemy never slew ya Johnny I hardly knew ya Where are the legs with which you run, Hurroo Hurroo Where are the legs with which you run, Hurroo Hurroo Where are the legs with which you run, When first you went to carry a gun Indeed your dancing days are done Johnny I hardly knew ya We had guns and drums and drums and guns, Hurroo Hurroo We had guns and drums and drums and guns, Hurroo Hurroo We had guns and drums and drums and guns The enemy never slew ya Johnny I hardly knew ya You hadn't an arm, you hadn't a leg, Hurroo Hurroo You hadn't an arm, you hadn't a leg, Hurroo Hurroo You hadn't an arm, you hadn't a leg You're a spinless, boneless, chickenless egg You'll Have to be put with the bowl to beg Johnny I hardly knew ya We had guns and drums and drums and guns, Hurroo Hurroo We had guns and drums and drums and guns, Hurroo Hurroo We had guns and drums and drums and guns The enemy never slew ya Johnny I hardly knew ya Im happy for to see ya home Hurroo Hurroo Im happy for to see ya home Hurroo Hurroo Im happy for to see ya home From the Isle of Ceylon Johnny I hardly knew ya

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À propos de la chanson

La chanson raconte l’histoire d’un homme nommé Johnny, dont la vie a été bouleversée par la guerre. Ses anciennes promesses et ses souvenirs heureux avec une personne aimée se heurtent à la réalité amère qu’il est revenu grièvement blessé, sans bras ni jambes, incapable de revivre les moments joyeux du passé. À travers des refrains répétitifs, l’artiste évoque la nostalgie de ceux qui l’ont connu et pleurent la perte de l’homme qu'il était. Ce morceau est souvent interprété dans un contexte de lamentation face aux horreurs de la guerre et des conséquences dévastatrices qu’elle peut avoir sur les soldats et leurs proches. La mélodie festive contraste avec les paroles tragiques, soulignant l’ironie d’une joie apparente face à un retour tant attendu, mais marqué par la souffrance.