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"