Which came first the chicken or the egg. I first learned about "Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye" from a popular American version written during the Civil War. That song "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" was first published in 1863 as "Words and Music by Louis Lambert," which was a pseudonym for Patrick Sarsfield, 1829-1892. Patrick was a native of Ireland who emigrated to Boston. "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" is a rousing song about a hero returning from war.
The first published version of "Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ye" came out several years after Sarsfield's song. Nevertheless, it is strongly believed to have originated in Ireland.
It's a much more somber song that tells about the woes and horrors of war in the popular folk tradition of describing the body parts blown off a soldier who does not come home to his love.
Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ye Lyrics:
While on the road to sweet Athy, hurroo, hurrooWhile on the road to sweet Athy, hurroo, hurrooWhile on the road to sweet AthyA stick in me hand and a drop in me eyeA doleful damsel I heard cry,Johnny I hardly knew ye.
With your drums and guns and drums and guns, hurroo, hurrooWith your drums and guns and drums and guns, hurroo, hurrooWith your drums and guns and drums and gunsThe enemy nearly slew yeOh my darling dear, Ye look so queerJohnny I hardly knew ye.
Where are your eyes that look so mild, hurroo, hurrooWhere are your eyes that look so mild, hurroo, hurrooWhere are your eyes that look so mildWhen my poor heart you first beguiledWhy did ye run from me and the childOh Johnny, I hardly knew ye.
chorus
Where are your legs with which ye run, hurroo, hurrooWhere are your legs with which ye run, hurroo, hurrooWhere are your legs with which ye runWhen first you learned to carry a gunIndeed your dancing days are doneOh Johnny, I hardly knew ye.
chorus
I'm happy for to see ye home, hurroo, hurrooI'm happy for to see ye home, hurroo, hurrooI'm happy for to see ye homeAll from the island of SulloonSo low in flesh, so high in boneOh Johnny I hardly knew ye.
chorus
Ye haven't an arm, ye haven't a leg, hurroo, hurrooYe haven't an arm, ye haven't a leg, hurroo, hurrooYe haven't an arm, ye haven't a legYe're an armless, boneless, chickenless eggYe'll be having to put a bowl to begOh Johnny I hardly knew ye.
chorus
I'm happy for to see ye home, hurroo, hurrooI'm happy for to see ye home, hurroo, hurrooI'm happy for to see ye homeAll from the island of Ceylon;So low in the flesh, so high in the boon.Johnny I hardly knew ye.
chorus
Extra lyrics I found:
They're rolling out the guns again, hurroo, hurrooThey're rolling out the guns again, hurroo, hurrooThey're rolling out the guns againBut they never will take our sons againNo they never will take our sons againJohnny I'm swearing to ye.