““Johnny Has Gone for a Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier”Soldier”AnonymousAnonymous

Coming of AgeComing of Age

Coming of age can bring about new opportunities Coming of age can bring about new opportunities and experiences, but it also involves new and experiences, but it also involves new responsibilities and challenges. A challenge responsibilities and challenges. A challenge that many young adults have had to face is war. that many young adults have had to face is war. When countries go to war, they usually send When countries go to war, they usually send young people to do the fighting. This changes young people to do the fighting. This changes the lives not only of the young soldiers, but also the lives not only of the young soldiers, but also of the loved ones they leave behind.of the loved ones they leave behind.

The folk song “Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier” The folk song “Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier” dates back to the Revolutionary War, in which dates back to the Revolutionary War, in which many young people died for the cause of many young people died for the cause of freedom. This song expresses the sadness and freedom. This song expresses the sadness and fear felt by those whose loved ones have gone fear felt by those whose loved ones have gone off to war.off to war.

Coming of AgeComing of Age“Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier”“Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier”

Lyrics

There I sat on Buttermilk Hill,Who could blame me cry my fill;And ev’ry tear would turn a mill; Johnny has gone for a soldier.

Me oh my, I loved him so,Broke my heart to see him go, And only time will heal my woe; Johnny has gone for a soldier.

I’ll sell my flax, I’ll sell my wheel,Buy my love a sword of steelSo it in battle he may wield;Johnny has gone for a soldier.

As you listen to the song and read the lyrics, respond to the following questions:

1. How would you describe the mood of this song? How is it different from other folk songs you may have heard?

2. Do you think this song fits the theme “Coming of Age”? Explain your answer.