Page "Folklore of the United States" Paragraph 41

*" When Johnny Comes Marching Home " ( sometimes " When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again ") is a popular song of the American Civil War that expressed people's longing for the return of their friends and relatives who were fighting in the war.

The Irish anti-war song " Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye " and " When Johnny Comes Marching Home " share the same melodic material.

Based on internal textual references, " Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye " apparently dates from the early 1820s, while When Johnny Comes Marching Home was first published in 1863.

" Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye " is a popular traditional Irish anti-war and anti-recruiting song.

It is generally dated to the early 19th century, when soldiers from Athy, County Kildare served the British East India Company.

It has become a definitive anti-war song.