Oh, Johnny Reb and Billy Yank
Don't you wish that you were fishin
Some for North; some for South
Back in your old home town

Oh, Virginia is your home, Johnny Reb
And your home is old New England, Billy Yank
From the South and from the North
You will meet as you go forth
Just two kids who went and joined the private ranks

Oh, Johnny Reb and Billy Yank
Don't you wish that you were fishin
Some for North; some for South
Back in your old home town

Over meadows, swamp and woods they would go
'Til one day they met beside a river deep
They were tired and they were hot
And before they fired a shot
They both fell into a hole and fell asleep

Oh, Johnny Reb and Billy Yank
Don't you wish that you were fishin
Some for North; some for South
Back in your old home town

Time and time again they met sure as day
As they brushed each other they would wink and smile
Then those friendly enemies
Raised their rifles if you please
And they'd fire and miss each other by a mile

Oh, Johnny Reb and Billy Yank
Don't you wish that you were fishin
Some for North; some for South
Back in your old home town

Tell me Billy have you had your first shave
Have you ever felt some stubble on your chin.
Somethin's growin on my lip
Only one but it's a pip
So I guess my shavin days will soon begin

Oh, Johnny Reb and Billy Yank
Don't you wish that you were fishin
Some for North; some for South
Back in your old home town