The marchin' band came down along main street

The soldier blues fell in behind

I looked across and there I saw Billy

Waiting to go and join the line

And with her head upon his shoulder

His young and lovely fiancee

From where I stood I saw she was cryin'

And through her tears I heard her say



Billy don't be a hero, don't be a fool with your life

Billy don't be a hero, come back and make me your wi-i-ife

And as Billy started to go-o

She said keep your pretty head low-ow-ow-ow

Billy don't be a hero, come back to me-ee



The soldier blues were trapped on a hillside

The battle ragin' all around

The sergeant cried, we've gotta hang on boys

We've gotta hold this piece of ground

I need a volunteer to ride out

And bring us back some extra men

And Billy's hand was up in a moment

Forgettin' all the words she said, she said



Billy don't be a hero, don't be a fool with your li-ife

Billy don't be a hero, come back and make me your wi-i-ife

And as Billy started to go-o

She said keep your pretty head low-ow-ow-ow

Billy don't be a hero, come back to me-ee



I heard his fiancee got a letter

That told how Billy died that day-ay

The letter said he was a hero

She should be proud he died that way

I heard she threw the letter away...