Letras de The Deserter - Fairport Convention

The Deserter (original)

As I was a-walking down Radcliffe highway
A recruiting party came a-beating my way
They enlisted me and treated me till I did not know
And to the Queen’s barracks they forced me to go
When first I deserted, I thought myself free
Until my cruel comrade informed against me I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed
I was handcuffed and guarded, heavy irons put on me Court martial, court martial, they help upon me And the sentence passed upon me, three hundred and three
May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty
For now the Queen’s duty lies heavy on me When next I deserted, I thought myself free
Until my cruel sweetheart informed against me I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed
I was handcuffed and guarded, heavy irons put on me Court martial, court martial, then quickly was got
And the sentence passed upon me, that I was to be shot
May the Lord have mercy on them for their sad cruelty
For now the Queen’s duty lies heavy on me Then up rode Prince Albert in his carriage and sticks
Saying «Where is that young man whose coffin is fixed?
Set him free from his irons and let him go free
For he’ll make a good soldier for his Queen and country»

(traducción)

Mientras caminaba por la autopista Radcliffe
Un grupo de reclutamiento vino golpeando mi camino
Me alistaron y me trataron hasta que no supe
Y al cuartel de la Reina me obligaron a ir
Cuando deserté por primera vez, me creí libre
Hasta que mi cruel camarada informó en mi contra, me siguieron rápidamente y me trajeron de vuelta con rapidez.
Fui esposado y custodiado, me pusieron pesados ​​hierros Corte marcial, corte marcial, me ayudaron Y me dictaron la sentencia, trescientas tres
Que el Señor tenga misericordia de ellos por su triste crueldad
Porque ahora el deber de la Reina recae sobre mí. La próxima vez que deserté, me creí libre.
Hasta que mi cruel amada me denunció, me siguieron rápidamente y me trajeron de vuelta con rapidez.
Me esposaron y vigilaron, me pusieron pesados ​​hierros. Corte marcial, corte marcial, luego me arrestaron rápidamente.
Y se me dictó la sentencia de que me iban a fusilar
Que el Señor tenga misericordia de ellos por su triste crueldad
Porque ahora el deber de la Reina recae sobre mí Entonces subió el Príncipe Alberto en su carruaje y palos
Diciendo «¿Dónde está ese joven cuyo ataúd está arreglado?
Libéralo de sus grilletes y déjalo ir libre
Porque será un buen soldado para su Reina y su país»