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"
Mary viewed the soldiers there As they stood at there 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 undaunted soldier So don't say no and 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."