Have you heard the many a story told by old and young with joy Bout the many deeds a daring that was done by the Johnson boys That was done by the Johnson boys That was done by the Johnson boys that was done by the Johnson boys [ fiddle + banjo ] The Johnson boys were boys of honor they knew how the fortune made They knew how to hug and kiss them oh but pretty girls don't be afraid Oh but pretty girls don't be afraid oh but pretty girls don't be afraid [ fiddle + banjo ] They were lads of skill and courage and their sights were very far And they joined the country service in that awful Civil War In that awful Civil War in that awful Civil War In that awful Civil War in that awful Civil War [ fiddle + banjo ] They were scouts in Rebels army and were known far and wide When the Yankees saw them comin' they throw down their guns and hide They throw down their guns and hide they throw down their guns and hide They throw down their guns and hide they throw down their guns and hide