verse 1:
G C G C G D
Oh it's of a jolly soldier that lately came from war
G C G C D
He loved a fair young damsel, a damsel so fair
D G D G C D
And her fortune was so great that it could scarcely be told
D G C D
And she loved her jolly soldier boy because he was so bold
verse 2:
G C G C G D
Oh then cried the lady "I fain would be your wife
G C G C D
But me father he is cruel and he'd surely take me life"
D G D G C D
He drew out his sword and pistol and he hung them by his side
D G C D
And he swore that he would marry her and that’s what would betide
verse 3:
G C G C G D
So they went and they got married and as they were coming home
G C G C D
They met with her old father and seven armed men
D G D G C D
"Let us flee", cried the lady "for we'll surely will be slain"
D G C D
"Fear nothing my dear charmer", the soldier cried again
verse 4:
G C G C G D
Then up came the old man and unto her did say
G C G C D
"It's for your disobedience to me this very day
D G D G C D
For as you had been so mean as to be a soldier's wife
D G C D
Down in this lonesome valley I will surely take your life"
VERSE 5:
G C G C G D
"Oh no", cried the soldier "I do not like your prattle
G C G C D
For although I am a bridegroom I am well prepared for battle"
D G D G C D
He drew out his sword and pistol and he caused them for to roar
D G C D
And the lady held the bridle while the soldier battled sore
VERSE 6:
G C G C G D
Well the first one he came to he ran through and maimed
G C G C D
And the second one he came to he served him just the same
D G D G C D
"Let us flee", cried the others "For we surely will be slain"
D G C D
"Fight on, my dear charmer", the lady cried again
VERSE 7:
G C G C G D
"Stay your hand", cried the old man "you make my blood run cold
G C G C D
And you shall have me daughter and five thousand pounds in gold"
D G D G C D
"Fight on", cried the lady "for his offer is too small"
D G C D
"Stay your hand", cried the old man "and you shall have it all"
VERSE 8:
G C G C G D
So he's taken them both home and he's made them both his heirs
G C G C D
And it wasn't out of love but it was from dread and fear
D G D G C D
For there never was a soldier ever carried a gun
D G C D
Who would ever flinch or budge an inch till the battle he had won
VERSE 9:
G C G C G D
So don't despise the soldier just because he's poor
G C G C D
He's as happy on the battlefield as at the barrack door
D G D G C D
For they are the lads to be jovial brisk and free
D G C D
And they'll fight for the pretty girls, for rights and liberty