Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya
Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya

Dropkick Murphys - Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya Lyrics

A poignant narrative of war's devastating impact, this song captures the sorrow and disillusionment of a woman confronting her lover's return from battle. The repeated refrain "Johnny, I hardly knew ya" underscores the emotional distance created by his… Read more

Rock
Sep 18, 2007
98
Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya Music Video

Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya Lyrics

When on the road to sweet Athy,
Hurroo Hurroo
When on the road to sweet Athy,
Hurroo Hurroo
When on the road to sweet Athy
A stick in the hand, a drop in the eye
A doleful damsel I heard cry
"Johnny, I hardly knew ya"

Where are the eyes that looked so mild,
Hurroo Hurroo
Where are the eyes that looked so mild,
Hurroo Hurroo
Where are the eyes that looked so mild
When my poor heart you first beguiled
Why did ya run from me and the child
Johnny, I hardly knew ya

We had guns and drums and drums and guns,
Hurroo Hurroo
We had guns and drums and drums and guns,
Hurroo Hurroo
We had guns and drums and drums and guns
The enemy never slew ya
Johnny, I hardly knew ya

Where are the legs with which you run,
Hurroo Hurroo
Where are the legs with which you run,
Hurroo Hurroo
Where are the legs with which you run,
When first you went to carry a gun
Indeed your dancing days are done
Johnny, I hardly knew ya

We had guns and drums and drums and guns,
Hurroo Hurroo
We had guns and drums and drums and guns,
Hurroo Hurroo
We had guns and drums and drums and guns
The enemy never slew ya
Johnny, I hardly knew ya

You hadn't an arm, you hadn't a leg,
Hurroo Hurroo
You hadn't an arm, you hadn't a leg,
Hurroo Hurroo
You hadn't an arm, you hadn't a leg
You're a spinless, boneless, chickenless egg
You'll have to be put with the bowl to beg
Johnny, I hardly knew ya

We had guns and drums and drums and guns,
Hurroo Hurroo
We had guns and drums and drums and guns,
Hurroo Hurroo
We had guns and drums and drums and guns
The enemy never slew ya
Johnny, I hardly knew ya

I'm happy for to see ya home,
Hurroo Hurroo
I'm happy for to see ya home,
Hurroo Hurroo
I'm happy for to see ya home
From the isle of Ceylon
Johnny, I hardly knew ya

We had guns and drums and drums and guns,
Hurroo Hurroo
We had guns and drums and drums and guns,
Hurroo Hurroo
We had guns and drums and drums and guns
The enemy never slew ya
Johnny, I hardly knew ya

Writer(s): AL BARR, TIM BRENNAN, KEN CASEY, MATT KELLY, JAMES LYNCH, MARC ORRELL
Copyright(s): Lyrics © SPIRIT TWO SMA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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What is the Meaning of Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya?

A poignant narrative of war's devastating impact, this song captures the sorrow and disillusionment of a woman confronting her lover's return from battle. The repeated refrain "Johnny, I hardly knew ya" underscores the emotional distance created by his physical and psychological transformation. Once characterized by vitality and charm, Johnny returns home mutilated and unrecognizable, symbolizing the brutal cost of conflict. The juxtaposition of lively instrumentation with somber lyrics amplifies the irony and tragedy of war. This piece serves as a powerful critique of militarism, highlighting its dehumanizing effects on individuals and their relationships. #WarImpact #EmotionalDistance

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