I mentioned this in my brief posting to the 'odd time signatures' thread and only noticed afterwards that there is no version in Digitrad.
This 'Macafferee' is as I learnt it about 50 years ago. I have heard it often since, always sung to the tune of 'Lord Franklin' . This version is basically 'Lord Franklin', but as you will see from the line lengths, it is sung very freely, with many changes of time signature.
It was widely believed (probably correctly) in the Army, even in my time, that it was a chargeable offence to be heard singing 'Macafferee'.
When I was only eighteen years of age Into the army I did engage I left my job with a good intent To join the forty second regiment
To Derby barracks I then did go To serve out my time at that depot But from trouble and blame I was never free My captain took a great dislike to me
As in that place I stood on guard one day Some soldier's children came out to play From the officers' quarters my captain came And ordered me to take their parents' name
Obediently his wish I did fulfil But I solemnly did it against my will With loaded rifle I did prepare To shoot my captain on the barrack square
On the barrack square I took most deadly aim Took deadly aim on the barrack square It was my captain I meant to kill But I shot my colonel against my will
At the very next assizes my trial quite soon I stood I did the deed, I shed his blood- The judge then said 'Macafferee Prepare yourself for the gallows tree'
I have no father alive to take my part I have no loving mother to break her heart But I have one friend and a girl is she Who'd lay down her life to save Macafferee
My captain then to the witness box stood nigh All in his wickedness he did lie He did declare on a solemn oath That I had long time sworn to kill them both
So all young officers be rul-ed now by me Treat all your men with some decency For it was lies and perjury That caused the hanging of Macafferee