The song "Johnny Comes Marching Home" is a traditional American song that has been passed down for generations. The lyrics to the song are as follows:
Traditional Version

The traditional version of the song has the following lyrics:
Johnny comes marching home again, Hurrah, hurrah, We’ll give him a hearty welcome then, Hurrah, hurrah, The men will cheer and the boys will shout, The ladies they will all turn out, And we’ll all feel gay when Johnny comes marching home.
The horses they will prance and they will dance, The leopards they will prance and they will cheer, And we’ll all feel gay when Johnny comes marching home.
Variations of the Song
There are many variations of the song “Johnny Comes Marching Home”, with different lyrics and melodies. Some versions are more upbeat and celebratory, while others are more somber and reflective.
One variation of the song, which is often sung by children, has the following lyrics:
Johnny comes marching home again, Hurrah, hurrah, We’ll give him a hearty welcome then, Hurrah, hurrah, The men will cheer and the boys will shout, The ladies they will all turn out, And we’ll all feel gay when Johnny comes marching home.
This version of the song is often sung with hand gestures and other actions, making it a fun and engaging way for children to learn about music and rhythm.
| Version | Lyrics |
|---|---|
| Traditional | Johnny comes marching home again, Hurrah, hurrah... |
| Children's Version | Johnny comes marching home again, Hurrah, hurrah... |

Key Points
- The song "Johnny Comes Marching Home" is a traditional American song that has been passed down for generations.
- The song's lyrics are simple and easy to learn, making it a great choice for children and adults alike.
- There are many variations of the song, with different lyrics and melodies.
- The song's message of welcoming home a loved one is timeless and universal.
- The song is often sung with hand gestures and other actions, making it a fun and engaging way to learn about music and rhythm.
The song "Johnny Comes Marching Home" has a long and varied history, with roots dating back to the American Civil War. The song's melody is thought to have been written by Patrick Gilmore, an American musician and bandleader, and the lyrics were likely written by a number of different people over the years.
Historical Context

The song “Johnny Comes Marching Home” was written during a time of great turmoil and upheaval in the United States. The American Civil War had just ended, and the country was struggling to rebuild and heal.
The song’s message of welcoming home a loved one was particularly resonant during this time, as many soldiers were returning home from the war and being greeted with parades and celebrations.
Cultural Significance
The song “Johnny Comes Marching Home” has become an important part of American cultural heritage, with its catchy melody and simple lyrics making it a beloved favorite among people of all ages.
The song has been sung at countless parades, celebrations, and other events over the years, and its message of welcoming home a loved one continues to resonate with people today.
What is the origin of the song “Johnny Comes Marching Home”?
+The song “Johnny Comes Marching Home” is thought to have been written by Patrick Gilmore, an American musician and bandleader, during the American Civil War.
What is the message of the song “Johnny Comes Marching Home”?
+The song’s message is one of welcoming home a loved one, and is often sung to celebrate the return of a soldier or other loved one.
Why is the song “Johnny Comes Marching Home” still popular today?
+The song’s catchy melody and simple lyrics make it easy to learn and sing along to, and its message of welcoming home a loved one is timeless and universal.