Johnny Boer

I am a Highland soldier Johnny Boer you're my foe
 But here's a wee story that I think that you should know
 Johnny Boer Johnny Boer you know I understand when
 they take away your freedom when they take away your land
 When they frighten little children and they persecute your wives
 Johnny Boer Johnny Boer I understand I sympathise
 When the bonnie Highland cattle were taken from their pens
 When the lords of the manors commandeered the heather glens
 When the clearances had chased the Highland folk across
 the sea they left their bonnie Scotland for the colonies
 Johnny Boer Johnny Boer you know I understand when they take away
 your freedom when they take away your lands when they
 frighten little children and they persecute your wives
 Johnny Boer Johnny Boer I understand I sympathise
 I know some of you decided to join us on our side
 Together with the Khakis you chose that you would ride
 Some laid down arms in peace and some just would not bend
 And fought a bitter battle to the very end
 Johnny Boer Johnny Boer you know I understand when
 they take away your freedom when they take away your land
 When they frighten little children and they persecute
 your wives Johnny Boer Johnny Boer I understand I sympathise
 I'm sure you've heard of general Grant and Rober
 E Lee, Edward, Bruce and Wallis and civil tragedy
 Two armies locked in battle never dreamt that
 they would shape a mighty nation at the end of the day
 Johnny Boer Johnny Boer you know I understand when
 they take away your freedom when they take away your land
 When they frighten little children and they persecute your wives
 Johnny Boer Johnny Boer I understand I sympathise
 You have trusted in your lord you've been faithful all the years
 You have kept believing you have told him all your fears
 No one can kill a nation so brave and so bold
 He'll deliver you from evil like the Israelites of old
 Johnny Boer, Johnny Boer they take away your land
 Johnny Boer, I sympathise I understand
 Johnny Boer you love your children and your wives
 Johnny Boer I understand I sympathise