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 lands 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, 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