AmThe marching band came Ddown along mainstreet,  
GThe soldier blues fell in behind.  
AmI looked across and Dthere I saw Billy,  
Em Waiting to go and G join the line.  
AmAnd with her head Dupon his shoulder,  
AmHis young and lovely Dfiancee.  
AmFrom where I stood I Dsaw she was crying,  
AmAnd through her tears I Dheard her say:  
 
[Refrão]
GBilly don't be a hero, Don?t be a Amfool with your life.  
Am7Billy don't be a hero, Come back and Gmake me your wife.  
And as GBilly started to G7 go,  
She said Am "Keep your pretty head Cm low."  
G Billy don't be a D hero, Come back to G me.  
 Am The soldier blues were D trapped on a hillside,  
G The battle raging all around.  
Am The sergeant said "We've D got to hang on boys.  
Em We've go to hold this G piece of ground.  
AmI need a D volunteer to ride up,  
AmAnd bring us back some D extra men."  
AmAnd Billy's hand was D up in a moment,  
AmForgetting all the D words she said?? 

[Refrão]
Am I heard his fiancee D got a letter,  
G Saying how Billy died that day.  
AmThe letter said that D he was a hero,  
Em She should be proud he G died that way.  
EmI heard she threw the Dletter Gaway.  
And as the Gmailman started to G7go,  
He said "AmKeep your pretty head Cm low."  
G Billy don't be a D hero, Come back to G me.