The Manchester Angel - Ewan MacColl

It’s coming down to Manchester to gain my liberty,\nI met a pretty young doxy and she seemed full of glee.\nYes, I met a pretty young doxy, the prettiest ever I see.\nAt the Angel Inn in Manchester, there is the girl for me.\nThen early next morning, just at the break of day,\nI went to my love’s bedside, my morning vows to pay.\nI hugged her, I cuddled her, I bade her to lie warm;\nAnd she said: «My jolly soldier, do you nean me any harm?'\n«To mean you any harm, my love, is a thing that I would scorn.\nIf I stopped along with you all night, I’d marry you in the morn.\nBefore my lawful officer, my vows I will fulfil.»\nThen she said, «My jolly soldier, you may lie as long as you will.'\nOur rout came on the Thursday, on the Monday we marched away.\nThe drums and fifes and bugles so sweetily did play.\nSome hearts they were merry, but mine was full of woe.\nShe says: «May I go along with you? „“ Oh no, my love, oh no.»\n«If you should stand a sentry go, on a cold and bitter day,\nYour colours they would go, love, and your beauty would decay\nIf I saw you handle a musket, love, it would fill my heart with woe\nSo stay at home, dear Nancy.» But still she answered, «No!»\n«I'll go down to your officer, and I’ll buy your discharge,\nTen guineas I’ll surrender if they’ll set you at large.\nAnd if that will not do my love, along with you I’ll go,\nSo will you take me with you now?» And still I answered:"No."\n«1'll go down in some nunnery and there I’ll end my life.\nI’ll never have no lover now, nor yet become a wife.\nBut constant and true-hearted, love, for ever I’ll remain,\nAnd I never will get married till my soldier comes again!'