[Verse 1]

When I was eighteen years of age

Into the army I did engage

I left me home with a good intent

For to join the forty-second regiment

[Verse 2]

While I was posted on guard one day

Some soldiers' children came out to play

From the officers' quarters my captain came

And he ordered me for to take their names

[Verse 3]

I took one name instead of three

On neglect of duty they then charged me

I was confined to barracks with loss of pay

For doing my duty the opposite way

[Verse 4]

A loaded rifle I did prepare

For to shoot my captain and the barracks square

It was my captain I meant to kill

But I shot my colonel against my will

[Verse 5]

At Liverpool Assizes me trial I stood

And I held my courage as best I could

Then the old judge said, "now, McCafferty

Go prepare your soul for eternity"

[Verse 6]

I had no father to take me part

No loving mother to break her heart

I had one friend and a girl was she

Who'd lay down her life for McCafferty

[Verse 7]

So come all you off'cers take advice from me

And go treat your men with some decency

For it's only lies and a tyranny

That have made a murderer of McCafferty