Bluegrass Messengers

The Soldier Traveling from the North- Chandler (NC) 1963 Cohen

[Dillard Chandler recorded "The Soldier Traveling From the North" on Dark Holler- Old Love Songs and Ballads, an LP recorded by John Cohen in 1964. Chandler (1907-1992) was from the Soddom community in Madison County, NC.

This ballad was covered by Peggy Seeger on The Long Harvest; vol. 10.

R. Matteson 2013]

The Soldier Traveling from the North- Chandler (NC) 1963 Cohen
[Listen: Dillard Chandler ]

1 The soldier traveling from the north,
As the moon shined bright and clearly;
So that [s]he knew the gentlemen's horse, [1]
Because she dearly loved him. [2]

2 She took his horse by the bridal reins
And led him to the stable.
"There's hay and oats for your horse, my love;
Go feed [when] you are able.'

3 She took him by the lily-white hand
And led him to the table,
"There's cake and wine for you, my love;
Go eat and drink, you're welcome.'

4 Well she pull off her blue silk gown,
She laid it on the table:
He pulled off his uniform suit
And he hopped the bed with a lady.

5. I heard some trumpet sound,
And I must go and meet it,
"Oh soldier dear, don't leave me here,
For I am ruined forever."

5 "When silver bells and conch shells stand, [3]
[That's] when you and I shall marry.
"Oh soldier dear, don't leave me here,
For I am ruined forever ."

1. The lady knew the gentleman's horse (Seeger)
2. To rhyme: Because she loved him dearly.
3. When silver bells turn into conch shells,