The Soldier's Wife- Pennington (AR) 1954 Parler B
[From Ozark Folksong Collection Reel 186, Item 1. Collected by M.C. Parler.
R. Matteson 2014]
The Soldier's Wife- Sung by John Pennington; Fayetteville, Ark., February 1954
I'll tell you of a soldier who lately come from war;
He courted a lady of honor and great store:
Her riches were so great that they scarcely could be told,
Though she loved a soldier because he was so bold.
"My father says he'll kill me, he swears he'll end my life,
But if ever I get married, I'll be the soldier's wife."
The soldier drew his sword and pistol and hung em on his side,
And swore he would get married let what might be tried.
And he jumped on a milk-white steed and she jumped on another,
And off to church they rode one day, like sister and like brother
The church being over, they returned home again,
And they met the lady's father with twenty well-armed men.
Said the lady to the soldier, "I fear we'll be slain."
"Fear nothing at all," said the soldier back again.
The old man rode up to them and to his daughter said,
"What is your intention? Is this your wedding day?
"Now since you've been so foolish to be a soldier's wife,
Here in this lonesome valley I'll quickly end your life."
The soldier drew his sword and pistol and caused them to rattle,
And the lady held the horses while the soldier fought the battle.
The first one attacked him he quickly had him slain,
The next one attacked him he served them the same,
"Run," said the balance, "for fear we all be slain,
For to fight a gallant soldier it is altogether in vain."
"Hold your arm," said the old man, "and don't strike so bold,
And you may have my daughter and ten thousand pounds of gold."
"Fight on," said the lady, "your portion is too small."
"Hold your arm," said the old man, "and you shall have it all."
He tuck them to his house, he bid them reside;
It wasn't for love, it was altogether in fear.
There never was a soldier who was fit to carry a gun,
For they never move a inch till the battle they have won.
He was brisk, brave, and valiant, sociable, and free,
And he fought for his country, his wife, and liberty.