(Version A)

O a-drinking a-drinking, a-drinking went I
When a recruiting sergeant by chance came that way
He treated me, he 'listed me till I did not know,
And to the Queen's barracks they forced me to go

The first time I deserted I thought myself free,
The false-hearted companion he informed against me.
I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed
I was handcuffed and shackled with irons indeed.

The next time I deserted I thought myself free,
When my false-hearted sweetheart informed against me.
I was quickly followed after and brough back with speed
I was handcuffed and shackled with irons indeed.

When down rode Prince Albert with his carriage and six;
Pick me out the young man where his coffin lays deep,
You loose him from his irons and set him quite free.
He'll make a brave soldier for his Queen and country.

 

(Version B)
When I was apprentice I lived upon the square,
I had no pocket money and I didn't think it fair.
I resolved to leave my reg'ment, it was sore against my will,
And jumping of the bounties, let the luck go where it will.

Young men deserters, I'd have you all beware,
Leave off your bounty jumping, go live upon the square.
The triple guards are plenty, and the government islands nigh,
They'll send you back to Washington to pine away and die.



abc | midi | pdf

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Source: Cecil Sharp's Collection of English Folk Songs, Vol 2, p 127, No 232, ed Maud Karpeles , Oxford University Press, 1974

Notes:
Version A: Sung by Mr Rapsey at Bridgwater, Somerset, 12 April 1906
Version B: George Weeks (73) at Priddy, Somerset, 22 December 1908

 

 



Roud: 493 (Search Roud index at VWML) Take Six
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