RATCLIFF HIGHWAY

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Song Title
RATCLIFF HIGHWAY
Writers
Peter Bellamy, Royston Wood, Heather Wood
Publisher
TOTAL MUSIC SERVICES, INC. (BMI)
% Publisher Controls
100%
Territory Controlled
USA
Themes/Keywords
Army, Escape, Free, Highway, King, Lord, Mercy, Party, Sweetheart, Walking
Lyrics
As I was a-walking all along Ratcliff Highway,
The recruiting party came a-beating a drum,
I was listed and attested and before I did know,
It’s to the king’s duty I was forced to go.

Well, I quickly escaped and I thought myself free,
Till my cruel companions, they informed against me,
I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed,
In chains I was hung heavy irons on me.

Court martial, court martial they held against me,
And the sentence they gave me was three hundred and three,
May the Lord have mercy on their souls for their sad cruelty,
For now the king’s duty lies heavy on me.

So again I escaped and I thought myself free,
But my cruel sweetheart she informed against me,
I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed,
In chains I was hung heavy irons on me.

Court martial, court martial I very soon got,
And they quickly passed sentence that I should be shot,
May the Lord have mercy on their souls for their sad cruelty,
For now the king’s duty lies heavy on me.

So if ever you’re a-walking along Ratcliff Highway,
The recruiting party come a-beating their drum,
Don’t be listed and attested into the king’s army,
Or else the king’s duty will lie heavy on thee.

Recordings

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