The Cruel War
Dolly Parton · Those Were The Days [2005]
The cruel war is raging, Johnny has to fight
I want to be with him from morning till night
I want to be with him, it grieves my heart so
"Won't you let me go with you?", "No, my love no."
Tomorrow is Sunday, Monday is the day
That your captain will call you and you must obey
Your captain will call you, it grieves my heart so
"Won't you let me go with you?", "No, my love no."
I'll tie back my hair; men's clothing I'll put on
I'll pass as your comrade as we march along
I'll pass as your comrade, no one will ever know.
"Won't you let me go with you?", "No, my love no."
Oh Johnny, oh Johnny, I fear you are unkind
I love you far better than all of mankind
I love you far better than words can e'er express.
"Won't you let me go with you?", "Yes, my love yes..."
I want to be with him from morning till night
I want to be with him, it grieves my heart so
"Won't you let me go with you?", "No, my love no."
Tomorrow is Sunday, Monday is the day
That your captain will call you and you must obey
Your captain will call you, it grieves my heart so
"Won't you let me go with you?", "No, my love no."
I'll tie back my hair; men's clothing I'll put on
I'll pass as your comrade as we march along
I'll pass as your comrade, no one will ever know.
"Won't you let me go with you?", "No, my love no."
Oh Johnny, oh Johnny, I fear you are unkind
I love you far better than all of mankind
I love you far better than words can e'er express.
"Won't you let me go with you?", "Yes, my love yes..."
The Cruel War
Dolly Parton's 'The Cruel War' appears on her 2005 album 'Those Were The Days,' a collection that revisits her classic repertoire with new production. As a staple of her discography, the track exemplifies her signature blend of country and pop sensibilities, characterized by her distinctive vocal delivery and lyrical focus on romantic themes. Released decades after its original conception, this recording highlights her enduring ability to reinterpret timeless material for contemporary audiences while maintaining the emotional core that defined her earlier work. The song remains a significant part of her catalog, often performed live and recognized as a defining element of her musical legacy.