Young Soldier- Varnell (Georgia) 1932
[From: Folk Songs from the Southern Highlands; March 1938; Mellinger Henry.
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 B: "Young Soldier." This version of the song is from Mrs. Harmon's grandÂdaughter, Mrs. Rachel Brackett, Varnell, Georgia, who recorded the song January, 1932.
1. There was a young soldier lived on the plain,
He courted a fair lady, her love for to gain;
This young lady's wealth was so great her riches could not be told;
She loved the little soldier because he was so bold.
2. "My lady, my lady, will you be my wife?
We'll settle down forever and live a happy life."
"Dear soldier, dear soldier, I cannot be your wife,
For my father is so cruel he'd quickly end my life."
3. They saddled up a milk-white steed; they saddled up another;
They rode off like a sister and brother;
They had been to church and coming home again;
They met her cruel father and twently well-armed men.
4. "Dear daughter, dear daughter, is this your wedding day;
Or you intend to be a soldier's wife?
In yonders lonesome valley,
I quickly end your life."
5. Up stepped the little soldier not fitten for to tattle;
He drew his pistol and sword and caused them to rattle;
The lady held the horse
While the soldier fought the battle.
6. First one he come to, he slashed him over the main;
Next one he come to, he done him just the same.
"Run," cried the rest, "before we are all slain;
To fight a able soldier, we find it all in vain."
7. Up spake the old man, speaking mighty bold:
"Hold your arms and you can have my daughter and thousand pounds of gold."
"Fight on," cried the lady, "your portion is too small."
"Hold your arms," cried the old man, "and you can have it all."