I am a Highland soldier Johnny Boer you're my foe
But here's a wee story that I think that you should know

Johnny Boer, Johnny Boer
You know I understand
When they take away your freedom
When they take away your land

When they frighten little children
And they persecute your wives
Johnny Boer, Johnny Boer
I understand, I sympathise

When the bonnie Highland cattle
Were taken from their pens
When the lords of the manors
Commandeered the heather glens

When the clearances had chased the Highland folk across the sea
They left their bonnie Scotland for the colonies

Johnny Boer, Johnny Boer
You know I understand
When they take away your freedom
When they take away your land

When they frighten little children
And they persecute your wives
Johnny Boer, Johnny Boer
I understand, I sympathise

I know some of you decided
To join us on our side
Together with the Khakis
You chose that you would ride

Some laid down arms in peace
And some just would not bend
And fought a bitter battle to the very end

Johnny Boer, Johnny Boer
You know I understand
When they take away your freedom
When they take away your land

When they frighten little children
And they persecute your wives
Johnny Boer, Johnny Boer
I understand, I sympathise

I'm sure you've heard of general Grant and Rober E. Lee
Edward, Bruce and Wallis and civil tragedy
Two armies locked in battle never dreamt that they
Would shape a mighty nation at the end of the day

Johnny Boer, Johnny Boer
You know I understand
When they take away your freedom
When they take away your land

When they frighten little children
And they persecute your wives
Johnny Boer, Johnny Boer
I understand, I sympathise

You have trusted in your lord
You've been faithful all the years
You have kept believing
You have told him all your fears

No one can kill a nation
So brave and so bold
He'll deliver you from evil
Like the Israelites of old

Johnny Boer
They take away your land
Johnny Boer
I sympathise I understand

Johnny Boer
You love your children and your wives
Johnny Boer
I understand I sympathise