Song of a Soldier- Hartlan (NS) 1932 Creighton, Bronson 15
[From Songs and Ballads from Nova Scotia, Creighton, 1932, pp. 25-26. Bronson says, The original is timed as 3/8. It is not- explained. how the later stanzas go to the tune; but perhaps the first two phrases were repeated and the third omitted at need.
R. Matteson 2014]
"Song of a Soldier"- Sung by Allan Hartlan, South-East Passage, Nova Scotia.
1. My song is of a soldier just lately came from war,
Who courted a lady more beautiful and fair,
And she said she'd have a soldier
Because they are so bold.
2. He buckled his pistol and sword together
Which made them for to prattle,
He laid them by his side, and said that he would marry her
If she would be his bride.
3. So off they went together. On returning home
- They met her cruel father and seven armed men,
"Since you are so mean to be a soldier's wife,
Down in this lonesome valley I will quickly end your life."
4. "Aye, aye," said the soldier, "I do not like your father,
For I am your bridesmaid[1] and just prepared for battle,"
The lady held the horse
Till the soldier fought the battle.
s. The first one he came to, he run him through the main,[2]
Next one he came to, he served him the same.
"Stay your hand," crles the old man, "you make my blood run cold,
You shall have my daughter and L500[3] in gold."
6. "Fight on, fight on," said the lady, "my fortune is too small,
"Stiy your handr" cries the old man,
And you shall have it all,
You shall have my daughter and L50000[4] in gold."
7. He took him to his house and called him his own,
And never no more would he let the soldier roam,
For they are husky lads, the brisky lads a-free,
They will fight for the prtty girls, the right property.
1. haha- bridesgroom
2. run him trough amain,
3. five hundred pounds
4. fifty thousand pounds