The Gentleman Soldier

Well its of a gentleman soldier

As sentry he did stand

He saluted the fair maiden

With a waiving of his hand

So boldly then kissed her

And passed it off as a joke

He drilled her up in the sentry box

Wrapped up in his soldiers cloke

Well the drums took over the rat a tap tap

And the pipes do loudly play

Fare thee well Molly my dear

I must be going away

Well they lightly tossed and tumbled

Till daylight did appear

The soldier then put on his clothes,

Saying, fare you well my dear

For the drums they are a sounding

And the pipes do loudly play

If it wasn't for that Molly my dear

Along with you I'd stay

Well the drums took over the rat a tap tap

And the pipes do loudly play

Fare thee well Molly my dear

I must be going away

Now tell me gentleman soldier,

When will you marry me?

Well now my dearest Molly

That thing never can be

For I've a wife already

And children I have three

And an other wife in the army

And thats one too many for me

Well the drums took over the rat a tap tap

And the pipes do loudly play

Fare thee well Molly my dear

I must be going away

And now my soldier laddie,

Why didnt you tell me so?

My parents will be angy

When this they come to know.

And she'll remember passing by,

The poor girl she brought shame

She had a little militia boy

And she didnt know his name

Well the drums took over the rat a tap tap

And the pipes do loudly play

Fare thee well Molly my dear

I must be going away