Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya KARAOKE [Instrumental]

Описание: Instrumental karaoke version of Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya (version of Teufelstanz)

“Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya” is a well-known Irish anti-war folk song from the 19th century. It dates back to around the 1850s and is linked to Irish soldiers who were sent to fight for the British Empire, often in distant colonial wars (commonly associated with Sri Lanka/Ceylon). The song is a protest against war. It tells of a woman confronting “Johnny” after he returns from war completely changed, using dark humor and irony to criticize how war destroys young lives and families. Even though the melody is lively and catchy, the message is serious and bitter—that contrast is intentional and common in Irish folk music. It’s been performed by many artists, including The Dubliners and Dropkick Murphys, and is often sung at folk sessions as a reminder of the human cost of war. It’s closely connected to another song called “When Johnny Comes Marching Home”—same tune, but very different message (hopeful vs. critical).

[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

Had guns and drums and drums and guns
(hurroo hurroo)
Had guns and drums and drums and guns
(hurroo hurroo)
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 an eyeless, boneless, chickenless egg
You'll have to be put with the bowl to beg
Johnny I hardly knew ya

Had guns and drums and drums and guns
(hurroo hurroo)
Had guns and drums and drums and guns
(hurroo hurroo)
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

Had guns and drums and drums and guns
(hurroo hurroo)
Had guns and drums and drums and guns
(hurroo hurroo)
Had guns and drums and drums and guns
The enemy never slew ya
...
Johnny, I hardly knew ya