Over The Hills And Far Away Poem by David McLansky

You ask me where do I come from
I've stepped so long to King George's drum
I didn't leave, I had to run
Over the hills and far away.

O'er the hills and far away
Through rain and mist and sunny day
I've been a soldier for the pay;
Over the hills and far away.

You ask me if I'd like to stay
And spend with you another day
But from your beauty I must stray
Over the hills and far away.

O'er the hills and far away
Through fields of briars, fields of hay
Through musket fire and swords at play
Over the hills and far away.

My father handed me his gun
When the Sheriff's men had come
And told me lad you'd better run
Over the hills and far away.

O'er the hills and far away
I've lived to fight another day
Through muddy fields and banks of clay
Over the hills and far away.

A soldiers braced with gin and rum
Before the battle pipes do hum
Grim faced we step up with the drum
Over the hills and far away.

O'er the hills and far away
I've felt the oceans dip and spray,
I've marched ashore on foreign quais
Over the hills and far away.

You ask me where do I come from
What villiage, farm, or what earldom,
I answer you like one struck dumb
Over the hills and far away

O'er the hills and far away
I've marched to orders and for pay
It's marched so long I've lost my way
Over the hills and far away.

Some day I'll lay me on the ground
Pierced by sword or musket round
My body there will n'er be found
Over the hill and far away.

O'er the hills and far away
A soldiers life is night and day
Should i be back I couldn't say
Over the hills and far away.