The Soldier's Wife- Glenn (AR) 1954 Parler C
[From Ozark Folksong Collection Reel 187 Item 2. Collected by Mary Celestia Parler.
R. Matteson 2014]
The Soldier's Wife- Sung by Mrs. Birdia Glenn; Fayetteville, Ark., April 29, 1954
I'll tell you of a soldier who lately came from war,
He was courting a rich lady whose money lay in store,
Saying, "Madam, oh, dear madam, do you mean to marry me?
Do you mean to marry me before I go away?"
"Yes" said the lady, "I mean to be your wife,
But my parents they're so cruel they'll take away my life."
"Oh, no,"says the soldier, "oh, this I'll take in hand,"
He drew his sword and pistol and hung them to his side,
And swore that he'd get married or fight until he died.
And after they were married, returning home again,
They met her cruel old father with seven well-armed men,
Saying, "Daughter, oh dear daughter, you're married so I hear.
What a scandal and a shame to be a soldier's wife.
Here in this low valley I'll end your sweet life."
"Oh, no,"says the soldier, "oh, this I'll take in hand,"
He drew his sword and pistol and occasionally he did rattle ;
The lady held the horses while the soldier fought the battle.
The first one he came to, he shot him through the brain,
The next one he came to he served the very same,
"Let's run," cried the others, "for fear we may be slain,
For fighting of a soldier, you'll find it is in vain."
"Oh, stop," cried the old man, "and spare to me my life,
For a thousand pounds of gold is now all yours.
"Oh, no," cried the lady, "the fortune is too small;
Fight on my jolly soldier, and you shall gain it all."
"Oh, stop," cried the old man, "and spare to me my life,
And you shall have my daughter for your sweet and wedded wife.
He taken them home, he treated them the same;
It was not for love but nearly all in vain.