One of the many “girl and the soldier” songs found in the tradition. Andy M. Stewart‘s version is a little different from the lyrics below, but you’ll catch on.

Mary and the Hielan’ Sodger

High up amang yon Heiland hills
There lives a canny maiden,
And she’s gone oot ane fine summer’s nicht
To watch all the soldier’s paradin’.

And they looked sae braw as they marched awa’,
The drums they did rattle and the pipes they did blaw,
Which caused young Mary for to weep and say,
I will follow my Heiland soldier.

Ah, but, Mary dear, my wage is small,
And what if in battle I should fall,
I hae gang hame tae your Heiland hall,
Think nae mair on a soldier laddie !

Ah, but I got twenty pounds in the store,
And I’ve got a herd ’bout ten times more,
And I’ll gie it to the laddie I adore,
And I’ll follow my Heiland laddie.