Soldier Laddie Lyrics

Lyrics - Robert Burns
Melody - Sodger Laddie (traditional)

I once was a maid, tho I canna tell when
And still my delight is in proper young men
Someone o a troop o Dragoons was my daddie
Nae wonder I"m fond o a young soldier laddie
Sing fa la la, la la la, la la la laddie
The first o my loves was a swaggering blade
To rattle the thundering drum was his trade
His leg was so tight and his cheek was so ruddy
Transported I was wi my soldier laddie
Sing.....

But the Godly auld chaplain left him in the lurch
So the sword I forsook for the sake o the church
He ventured the soul and I risked the body
"Twas then I proved false to my soldier laddie
Sing.....
Full soon I grew sick o my sanctified sot
The regiment at large for a husband I got
From the gilded spontoon tae the fife I was ready
I asked for nae mair but a young soldier laddie
But the peace it reduced me to beg in despair
Til I met my old boy at a Cunningham fair
His rags regimental they fluttered so gaudy
Oh my hairt it rejoiced at my soldier laddie
Sing.....

And noo I hae lived, I know not how long
And still I can join in a cup and a song
But whilst with both hands I can hold the glass steady
Here"s tae ye my love, my ain soldier laddie
Sing.....