Burl Ives - The Bold Soldier



Soldier, oh soldier,

A-coming from the plain

He courted a lady for honor and for fame

Her beauty shone so bright

That it never could be told

She always loved the soldier

Because he was so bold.

Fa la la la, fa la la la

Fa la la la, fa la la la



Soldier, oh soldier,

It's I would be your bride,

But I fear of my father

Some danger might betide.

Then he pulled out sword and pistol

And hung them by his side

Swore he would be married,

No matter what betide.

Fa la la la, fa la la la

Fa la la la, fa la la la



Then he took her to the parson,

And, of course, home again

There they met her father

And seven armed men.

Let us fly, said the lady,

I fear we shall be slain

Take my hand, said the soldier,

And never fear again.

Fa la la la, fa la la la

Fa la la la, fa la la la



Then he pulled out sword and pistol,

And caused them to rattle,

The lady held the horse

While the soldier fought in battle.

Hold your hand, said the old man,

Do not be so bold.

You shall have my daughter 

And a thousand pounds of gold.

Fa la la la, fa la la la

Fa la la la, fa la la la



Fight on! said the lady,

The portion is too small!

Hold your hand, said the old man,

And you shall have it all.

Then he took them right straight home

And he called them son and dear

Not because he loved them,

But only through fear.

Fa la la la, fa la la la

Fa la la la, fa la la la