Billy Don't Be A Hero-Artists: Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods from "Super Hits Of the 70's-Have A-Nice Day-Vol. 13"-Rhino R4 70760-peak Billboard position # 1 for 2 weeks in 1974-competing version by Paper Lace also hit # 1 for 1 week-Words and Music by Mitch Murray and Peter Robin CallanderThe 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 fiancee>From 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 he started to go she said "Billy, keep your head lo-o-ow""Billy, don't be a hero, come back to me"The soldier-blues were trapped on a hillsideThe battle raging all aroundThe sergeant cried "We've got to hang on, boys""We got to hold this piece a'ground""I need a volunteer to ride up""And bring us back some extra men"And Billy's hand was up in a momentForgettin' all the words she saidShe 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 he started to go she said "Billy, keep your head lo-o-ow""Billy, don't be a hero, come back to me"I heard his fiancee 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 that letter awayTranscribed by Robin HoodThese lyrics were transcribed from the specific recording mentioned aboveand do not necessarily correspond with lyrics from other recordings, sheetmusic, songbooks or lyrics printed on album jackets.
