Mary and the Soldier - Eddi Reader

Come all ye lads of high reknown

That will hear of a fair young maiden

For she went oot of a summers day

To view the soldiers parading

And they marched so bold and they looked so gay

Their colours a flying and the band did play

It caused young Mary for to say:

«I'll wed you me gallant soldier»

Ah, Mary viewed the soldiers there

As they stood at their leisure

And Mary to herself did say:

«At last I’ve found me treasure

But oh how cruel me parents must be

To banish me darling so far from me

I’ll leave them all and I’ll go with thee

Me bold undaunted soldier»

«Oh Mary dear your parents love

I pray don’t be unruly

For when you’re in a foreign land

Believe me you’ll rue it surely

Perhaps in battle I might fall

From a shot from an angry cannon ball

And you so far from your daddy’s hall

Be advised by your gallant soldier.»

«I have 50 guineas in bright gold

Likewise a heart that’s bolder

But I’ll leave them all

And I’ll go with you

Me bold undaunting soldier

So don’t say no-one let me go

And I will face the daring foe

We’ll march together to and fro

And I’ll wed you me gallant soldier.»

And when he saw her loyalty

And Mary’s so true hearted

He said: «Me darling married we’ll be

And nothing but death will part us

And when we’re in a foreign land

I’ll guard you darling with my right hand

I’m hopes that God will stand a friend

To Mary and her gallant soldier»