Henrik Norbeck's Song Lyrics

Gentleman Soldier, The

Sheet Music (and more information about this song)

It's of a gentleman soldier, as sentry he did stand
He saluted a fair maid by a waving of his hand
So boldly then he kissed her, and he passed it off as a joke
He drilled her up in the sentry box wrapped up in a soldier's cloak

Chorus:
And the drums they go a rat-a-ta-tat, and the fifes they loudly play
"Fare thee well, Polly my dear, I must be going away"

All night they tossed and tumbled, till daylight did appear
The soldier rose, put on his clothes, saying, "Fare ye well my dear
For the drums they are a-beating and the fifes they sweetly play
If it weren't for that Polly my dear, with you I'd gladly stay"

Chorus

Now come you gentleman soldier, won't you marry me?
Oh no, my dearest Polly, such things can never be
For I've a wife already, and children I have three
Two wives are allowed in the army, but one's too many for me

Chorus

If anyone comes a-courting you, you can treat them to a glass
If anyone comes a courting you, you can say you're a country lass
You don't have to tell them, that ever you played this joke
That you were drilled in a sentry box wrapped up in a soldier's cloak

Chorus

Oh come ye gentleman soldier, why didn't you tell me so?
My parents will be angry when this they come to know
And when nine long months had come and passed, this poor girl she brought shame
She had a little militia boy and she didn't know his name

Chorus

Discography: The Dubliners

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