The marchin' band came down along Main StreetThe Soldier Blues fell in behindI looked across and there I saw BillyWaiting to go and join the lineAnd with her head upon his shoulderHis young and lovely fiancéeFrom 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 wife"And as Billy started to go, she said, "Keep your pretty head low""Billy don't be a hero, come back to me"
The Soldier Blues were trapped on a hillsideThe battle ragin' all aroundThe 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 momentForgettin' all the words she said, she said
"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 wife"And as Billy started to go, she said, "Keep your pretty head low""Billy don't be a hero, come back to me"
I heard his fiancée got a letterThat told how Billy died that dayThe letter said that he was a heroShe should be proud, he died that wayI heard she threw the letter away