Mary And The Soldier (Introduction)

Come all you lads of high renown that will hear of a fair young maiden
And she roved out on a summer's morn to view the soldier's parading

They march so bold and they look so gay
The colours flying and the bands did play
It caused young Mary for to say
"I'll wed me gallant soldier"

She viewed the soldiers on parade as they stood at their leisure
And Mary to herself did say, at last I’ve found my treasure

Oh how cruel my parents must be
To banish me darling so far from me
I'll leave them all and I'll go with thee
My bold undaunted soldier

Oh Mary dear, your parents' love I pray don't be unruly
For when we’re in a foreign land, alas you'll rue it surely

Perhaps in battle I might fall
From a shot from an angry cannonball
And you so far from your daddy's hall
Be advised by a gallant soldier

I have fifty guineas in bright gold, likewise a heart that’s bound here
And I lay them all in a hold with you my bold undaunted soldier

So don't say no but let me go
And I will face the daring foe
We'll march together, to and fro
And I’ll wed me gallant soldier

And when he saw her loyalty and Mary so true-hearted
He said, me darling, married we'll be, nothing but death shall part us

When we're in a foreign land
I'll guard you, darling, with my right hand
And hopes that God might stand a friend
With Mary and her gallant soldier