The Gallan Soldier- Obtained from Mrs. Samuel Harmon, Varnell, Georgia, formerly of Cade's Cove, Tennessee, Oct., 1930
[From Folk Songs from the Southern Highlands, March 1938, by Mellinger Henry. Henry's notes follow. The Harmon's originally from North Carolina are part of the Hicks, Hamon group families descending from Council Harmon that were active purveyors of folk songs, ballads and folk tales in the Appalachian mountain region.
R. Matteson 2014]
THE SOLDIER'S WOOING
See Campbell and Sharp, No. 41; Pound, No. 27; Cox, No. 117; Journal, XXIII, 447; XXIX, 188; XXXV, 414; Belden, Partial List of Song Ballads and Other Popular Poetry Known in Missouri, No. 84; Flanders and Brown, p. 232. This is a secondary song based upon "Earl Brand."
Version A: "The Gallan Soldier." Obtained from Mrs. Samuel Harmon, Varnell, Georgia, formerly of Cade's Cove, Tennessee, Oct., 1930.
1.1 will tell you of a gallan soldier
Who lately came from sea:
He courted a lady,
A lady said to be.
2. The old man said unto her:
"This I here complain:
If you marry a gallan soldier,
It will be all in vain.
3. "Since you have been so foolish
To be a soldier wife,
Down in some lonesome valley
I will take your pleasant life."
4. He drew his swords and pistols
And hung them to his side,
Swore that he would be married
Whatever may betide.
5. She jumped on a milk white steed
And he jumped on another one;
Off to church they rode
Just like a sister and brother.
6. They had been to church
And just returning;
Then she said, "I see my father,
With twenty well armed men."
7. He drew his swords and pistols
And caused them to rattle;
The lady helt the horse,
While the soldier fought the battle.
8. The first one that tackled him
He soon had him slain;
And the next one that tackled him
He served him the same.
9. "Let's run," said the balance,
"For fear we will be slain,
To fight a gallan soldier,
For it is all in vain."
10. "Hold your arm," said the old man,
"And pray spare my life;
You can have my daughter
To be your loving wife.
11. "Hold your arm," said the old man,
"And don't you strike so bold;
You can have my daughter,
And a thousand pounds of gold."
12. "Fight on," said the lady,
"The portion is too small;"
"Hold your arm," said the old man,
"And you can have it all."
13. He took them home with him
And pronounced them his heirs.
It was not the good will of the old man,
But it was all through dread and fears.