Sides face grand square
The marchin' band came down along Main Street
The soldier blues fell in behind
I looked across and there I saw Billy
Waiting to go and join the line
Allemande left and weave
And with her head upon his shoulder
His young and lovely fiancee
From where I stood I saw she was cryin'
And through her tears I heard her say

Heads (sides) promenade take it halfway around
Sides (Heads) pass the ocean, swing thru
Everybody extend, swing thru again
Do an acey deucey, boy run to the right,
Pass thru, wheel and deal
In the middle you pass thru, swing, all promenade now
Billy, don't be a hero,
Come back to me

Sides face grand square
The soldier blues were trapped on a hillside
The battle raging all around
The sergeant cried, We've got to hang on, boys!
We've got to hold this piece of ground
Allemande left and weave
I need a volunteer to ride up
And bring us back some extra men
And Billy's hand was up in a moment
Forgettin' all the words she said

Sides face grand square
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
Allemande left and weave
And as he started to go she said,
Billy, keep your head low
Billy, don't be a hero,
Come back to me