Tekst piosenki
Kind friends take warning by my sad tale As I lay here in Strangeways Gaol My thoughts, my feelings, no tongue can tell As I am listening to the prison bell. When I was seventeen year of age Into the army I did engage. I did enlist with a good intent To join the Forty Second Regiment. To Fullwood Barracks I did go To serve some time at that depot. From trouble there I necer was free Because my captain took a dislike to me. When I was stationed on guard one day Some children came near me to play, My officer from his quarters came And ordered me to take their parents' name. My officer's orders I did fulfill I took their name against my will. I took one name instead of three "Neglect of Duty" was the charge against me. In the orderly-room next morning I did appear My C.O. refused my plea to hear, Anf quickly he had signed my crime And to Fullwood Barracks I was then confined. With a loaded rifle I did prepare To shoot my captain on the barrack square; It was Captain Neill that I meant to kill, But I shot my colonel against my will. I done the deed, I shed his blood, And at Liverpool Assizes my trial stood; The judge he says, "Mc Cassery Prepare yourself for the gallows-tree." I have no father to take my part I have no mother to break her heart, I have one friend, and a girl is she Would lay down her life for Mc Cassery. In Liverpool City this young man was tried In Strangeways, Manchester, his body lies. And all you young soldiers who pass his grave, Pray: Lord have mercy on Mc Cassery.
