Lyrics:

When I was scarcely eighteen years of age,

To join the army I did engage;
I left the fact'ry with good intent,
To join the 42nd Regiment.

To Fullwood Barracks I then did go
To serve a short period in that depot;
But out of trouble I could not be,
For Captain Hansen took a dislike to me.

While standing sentry out one day,
Some soldiers' children came out to play;
I took one's name, but not all three -
And with neglect of all duty he did charge me.

In the barracks court-room I did appear,
But Captain Hansen my sad story would not hear;
The sentence it was quickly signed,
And to Fullwood Barracks I was then confined.

For fourteen weeks and fifteen days
The sentence rose and turned my brain;
To shoot my captain dead on sight
Was all that I resolved to do each night.

I saw him standing in the barracks square,
A-walking arm in arm with Colonel Blair;
I raised my rifle, and fired to kill:
I shot my poor colonel against my will.

I did the deed, I shed the blood,
And at Liverpool Assizes my trial I stood.
The judge he says, 'McCafferty,
Prepare yourself for the gallows tree.'

I had no father to take my part,
I had no loving mother for to break her heart;
I had one friend, and a girl was she -
She'd lay down her life for McCafferty.

Now all young soldiers take a warning by me:
Don't have nothing to do with the British Army.
For only lies and tyranny
Have made a murderer out of McCafferty!

In Liverpool City this poor boy died.
In Strangways Manchester his body lies.
Now all good people who do pass by,
Go shed a tear for McCafferty!