Don't stop a moment to think, John,
Your country calls, then go;
Don't think of me or the children, John,
I'll care for them you know.
Leave the corn upon the stalks, John,
Potatoes on the hill,
And the pumpkins on the vines, John,
I'll gather them at will.
Don't stop a moment to think, John,
Your country calls, then go;
Don't think of me or the children, John,
I'll care for them you know.
Leave the corn upon the stalks, John,
Potatoes on the hill,
And the pumpkins on the vines, John,
I'll gather them at will.
But take your gun and go, John,
Take your gun and go,
For Ruth can drive the oxen, John,
And I can use the hoe.
I've heard my grandsire tell, John,
(He fought at Bunker Hill),
How he counted all his life and wealth
His country's offering still.
Shall we shame the brave old blood, John,
That flowed on Monmouth Plain?
No! Take your gun and go, John,
If you ne'er return again.
Then take your gun and go,
Yes take your gun and go,
For Ruth can drive the oxen, John,
And I can use the hoe.
Our army's short of blankets, John,
Then take this heavy pair;
I spun and wove them when a girl,
And worked them with great care.
There's a rose in every corner, John,
And there's my name you see;
On the cold ground they'll warmer feel
That they were made by me,
Then take your gun and go, John,
Take your gun and go,
For Ruth can drive the oxen, John,
And I can use the hoe.
And if it be god's will, John,
You're ne'er come back again,
I'll do my best for the children, John,
In sorrow, want and pain.
In winter nights I'll teach them all
That I've learned at school,
To love the country, keep the laws
And obey the saviours rule.
Then take your gun and go, John,
Take your gun and go,
For Ruth can drive the oxen, John,
And I can use the hoe.
And in the village church, John,
And at our humble board we'll pray
That God will keep you, John,
And heavenly I'd afford.
And all who love their country's cause,
Will love and bless you too,
And nights and mornings they will pray
For freedom and for you.
Then take your gun and go, John,
Take your gun and go,
For Ruth can drive the oxen, John,
And I can use the hoe.
And now goodbye to you, John,
I cannot say farewell;
We'll hope and pray for the best, John;
God's goodness none can tell.
Be his great arm around you, John,
To guard you night and day;
Be our beloved country's shield,
Till the war has passed away.
Then take your gun and go, John,
Take your gun and go,
For Ruth can drive the oxen, John,
And I can use the hoe.
Take your gun and go, John,
Take your gun and go,
For Ruth can drive the oxen, John,
And I can use the hoe.