Mccaferty

When I was eighteen years of ageInto the army I did engageI left my home with a good intentFor to join the forty-second regimentWhile I was posted on guard one daySome soldiers' children came out to playFrom the officers' quarters my captain cameAnd he ordered me for to take their namesI took one name instead of threeOn neglect of duty they then charged meI was confined to barracks with loss of payFor doing my duty the opposite wayA loaded rifle I did prepareFor to shoot my captain in the barracks squareIt was my captain I meant to killBut I shot my colonel against my willAt Liverpool Assizes my trial I stoodAnd I held my courage as best I couldThen the old judge said, Now, McCaffertyGo prepare your soul for eternityI had no father to take my partNo loving mother to break her heartI had one friend and a girl was sheWho'd lay down her life for McCaffertySo come all you officers take advice from meAnd go treat your men with some decencyFor it's only lies and a tyrannyThat have made a murderer of McCafferty