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