Mary and the Soldier
Andy Irvine & Paul Brady Lyrics

Come all you lads of high renown that will hear of a fair young maiden
Attention, gentlemen of esteemed reputation, who are interested in the story of a beautiful young woman

And she roved out on a summer's day for to view the soldier's parading
She took a stroll on a sunny day to watch the soldiers marching in a parade

They march so bold and they look so gay
The soldiers march with confidence and appear cheerful

The colours fine and the bands did play
The uniforms are impressive and the bands are performing

And it caused young Mary for to say, "I'll wed you me gallant soldier"
This sight prompted young Mary to express her desire to marry one of the brave soldiers

She viewed the soldiers on parade and as they stood at their leisure
While observing the soldiers in their relaxed state during the parade

And Mary to herself did say, at last they find the treasure
Mary believed that she had finally found her ideal partner among the soldiers

But oh how cruel my parents must be
She realized how heartless her parents would be

To banish my darling so far from me
They would separate her from her beloved, sending him far away

Well, I'll leave them all and I'll go with thee
In response, Mary decided she would abandon her family and accompany her chosen soldier

Me bold and undaunted soldier
Addressing her chosen soldier as brave and fearless

Oh Mary dear, your parents' love I pray don't be unruly
The soldier urged Mary not to defy her parents' wishes

For when you're in a foreign land, believe me you'll rue it surely
He warned her that she would regret her decision once they were in a foreign country

Perhaps in battle I might fall
He acknowledged the possibility of his death in combat

From a shot from an angry cannonball
Explaining that he could be fatally wounded by an enemy cannonball

And you're so far from your daddy's hall
Emphasizing how far away she would be from her family's home

Be advised by a gallant soldier
The soldier advised Mary to heed his words

And I have 50 guineas in right gold, likewise a hearth that's burning
He revealed that he possessed a sum of 50 guineas in gold and a warm home

And I'd leave them all and I'd go with you me bold undaunted soldier
Despite his possessions, he declared that he was willing to abandon everything for Mary and become a soldier

So don't say no but let me go
He pleaded with her not to refuse his offer and to allow him to proceed

And I will face the daring foe
He promised to confront their formidable enemies bravely

And we'll march together, to and fro
They would march side by side, moving in a synchronized manner

And I'll wed you, my gallant soldier
He affirmed his intention to marry Mary, his courageous soldier

And when he saw her loyalty and Mary so true-hearted
Upon witnessing her loyalty and steadfast love, he

He said, me darling, married we'll be and nothing but death will part us
Declared that they would be married and remain united until death separated them

And when we're in a foreign land
He envisioned their future together in a foreign country

I'll guard you, darling, with my right hand
He promised to protect her with all his might

And hopes that God might stand a friend
He expressed his wish for divine intervention and support from God

With Mary and her gallant soldier
Concluding that they would face the challenges of life together, Mary and her brave soldier