I heard his fiancée got a letter
She should be proud he died that way
His young and lovely fiancée
We've gotta hold this piece of ground
The sergeant cried, we've got to hang on, boys
Billy, don't be a hero, don't be a fool with your life
And as Billy started to go she said, keep your pretty head low
That told how Billy died that day
Billy, don't be a hero, come back to me
And bring us back some extra men
And through her tears I heard her say
The battle raging all around
The letter said that he was a hero
I looked across and there I saw Billy
Forgettin' all the words she said, she said
And with her head upon his shoulder
Billy, don't be a hero, come back to me
From where I stood I saw she was cryin'
And Billy's hand was up in a moment
Billy, don't be a hero, come back and make me your wife
Waiting to go and join the line
Billy, don't be a hero, come back and make me your wife
And as Billy started to go she said keep your pretty head low
The soldier blues were trapped on a hillside
I need a volunteer to ride out
Billy, don't be a hero, don't be a fool with your life
