Title of Song:
"When Johnny Comes Marching Home" or "When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again"Composer:
The words and music of this song was written by Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore in 1863. Gilmore was a bandleader, cornetist and composer also known as the "Father of the American Band" and the "Father of Military Bands."Song Parodies:
Several parodies of this song has been written, including "For Bales" which was published in 1864 by Blackmar & Co.Lyrics of "For Bales! An O'er True Tale" (Excerpt)
We all went down to New Orleans,
For Bales, for Bales;
We all went down to New Orleans,
For Bales, says I;
We all went down to New Orleans,
To get a peep behind the scenes,
"And we'll all drink stone blind,
Johnny fill up the bowl."
Interesting Facts:
The melody of this song is very similar to the melody of an old Irish song titled "Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye." Some historians believe that Gilmore was inspired by this old Irish tune; however, there are those who think otherwise. Sheet music for "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" was first published in 1863 by Henry Tolman & Co. The front page of the sheet music reads:To the
Army and Navy of the Union
When Johnny Comes Marching Home
Music Introduced in the "Soldier's Return March"
by Gilmore's Band
Words and Music by
Louis Lambert
Note:Louis Lambert was actually the pseudonym used by Gilmore.
Lyrics (Excerpt):
Lyrics of "Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye":Where are your legs that used to run, huroo, huroo,
Where are your legs that used to run, huroo, huroo,
Where are your legs that used to run when first you went for to carry a gun?
Alas, your dancing days are done, oh, Johnny, I hardly knew ye.
Lyrics of "When Johnny Comes Marching Home"
When Johnny comes marching home again,
Hurrah! Hurrah!
We'll give him a hearty welcome then
Hurrah! Hurrah!
The men will cheer and the boys will shout
The ladies they will all turn out
And we'll all feel gay,
When Johnny comes marching home.
