She is from Bath County, Virginia, and attended Mary Baldwin College and the Peabody Conservatory, where she received a Bachelor of Music degree in 1979.
She served as the lead singer for The Baltimore Consort between 1983 and 2004, and has also worked as a solo artist with ad hoc groups of supporting musicians, with recordings released on the Dorian label.
Soldier Boy for Me
Custer LaRue Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Thus, Thus, Thus
Come all you pretty fair maids, come walk along with us
So pretty and so fair as you take yourself to be
I'll choose you for a partner, come walk along with me
I would not marry a blacksmith, he smuts his nose and chin
I'd rather marry a soldier boy that marches through the wind
If ever i get married, a soldier's wife i'll be
Instrumentals...
I would not marry a farmer, they're always selling grain
I'd rather marry a soldier boy that marches through the rain
O soldier boy, o soldier boy, o soldier boy for me
If ever i get married, a soldier's wife i'll be
I would not marry a doctor, they're always killing the sick
I'd rather marry a soldier boy that marches double quick
O soldier boy, o soldier boy, o soldier boy for me
If ever i get married, a soldier's wife i'll be
Instrumentals...
We go walking up the green grass,
Thus Thus Thus
Come all you pretty fair maids, come walk along with us
So pretty and so fair as you take yourself to be
I'll choose you for a partner, come walk along with me
The song "Soldier Boy for Me" is a traditional Scottish folk song that tells the story of a single woman searching for a husband. The first verse describes a group of people walking on the green grass, inviting young women to walk with them. The woman then goes on to list the types of men she would not marry, including a blacksmith, a farmer, and a doctor. Instead, she declares that she would like to marry a soldier boy because of his bravery and commitment to duty. The song ends with a repetition of the opening verse, encouraging more women to come and join them.
The song offers an interesting perspective on traditional gender roles and expectations. While women were often expected to settle down with a steady provider, the singer of the song rejects this notion and instead chooses a partner based on his personal qualities and values. Moreover, the emphasis on soldiers highlights the importance of military service in Scottish culture.
Line by Line Meaning
We go walking on the green grass,
Let us take a walk on this green grass
Come all you pretty fair maids, come walk along with us
All you beautiful ladies, join us and walk together
So pretty and so fair as you take yourself to be
You are as charming and stunning as you believe yourself to be
I'll choose you for a partner, come walk along with me
I pick you as my companion, walk with me
I would not marry a blacksmith, he smuts his nose and chin
I don't want to marry a blacksmith; his nose and chin get sooty
I'd rather marry a soldier boy that marches through the wind
I would prefer marrying a soldier boy who marches against the wind
O soldier boy, o soldier boy, o soldier boy for me
Oh, I desire a soldier boy as my spouse
If ever i get married, a soldier's wife i'll be
I will marry a soldier and become his wife
I would not marry a farmer, they're always selling grain
I refuse to wed a farmer because they frequently sell their grain
I'd rather marry a soldier boy that marches through the rain
I favor marrying a soldier boy who strides in the rain
If ever i get married, a soldier's wife i'll be
I will marry a soldier and become his wife
I would not marry a doctor, they're always killing the sick
I reject the idea of marrying a doctor because they continually kill the infirm
I'd rather marry a soldier boy that marches double quick
I prefer marrying a soldier boy who marches twice as fast
We go walking up the green grass,
Let us walk on the green grass uphill
I'll choose you for a partner, come walk along with me
I select you to be my companion; walk with me
Writer(s): Traditional
Contributed by Ethan J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.