A song that's been in Sid's campfire repertoire for years without being recorded.
"I remember first hearing it sung by a friend in a session and being struck by the sureness of Mary and the sense 0f the strong pair going forward into a dangerous future with each others support."
Mary and the Soldier (Roud 2496)
Come all you lads of high renown that will hear of a fair young maiden
As she roved out one summers day to view the soldiers parading
Oh they marched so fine and they looked so gay with their colours flying and the bands did play
Which caused young Mary for to say I will wed you my gallant soldier
Oh she viewed the soldiers on parade as they stood at their leisure
Young Mary to herself did say at last I've found my treasure
But oh how cruel my parents must be to banish my darling so far from me
I will leave them all and I'll go with thee and I'll wed you my gallant soldier
Oh Mary dear your parents love I pray don't be unruly
For when we're in a foreign land believe me you'll rue it surely
For perhaps in battle I might fall to a shot from an angry cannonball
And you so far from your daddies hall be advised by a gallant soldier
Oh I've fifteen guineas in bright gold likewise a heart thats bolder
And I'll leave them all and I'll go with you my bold undaunted soldier
So don't say no and let me go and I will face the daring foe
And we'll march together to and fro and I'll wed you my gallant soldier
And when he saw her loyalty and Mary so true hearted
He said my darling happy we'll be and nothing but death shall part us
And when we're in a foreign land I will guard you darling with my right hand
And hope that god may stand a friend to Mary and her gallant soldier