Little Drummer

One fine summer's morning both gallant and gay
Twenty-four ladies went out on the quay
And a regiment of soldiers it did pass them by
A drummer and one of them soon caught his eye

He went to his comrade and to him did say
Twenty-four ladies I saw yesterday
Oh but one of those ladies she has my heart won
And if she denies me Then surely I'm done

Go to this lady and tell her your mind
Tell her she's wounded your poor heart inside
Go tell her she has wounded your poor heart full sore
And if she denies you what can't you do more

He went up to her and he said pardon me
Pardon my ladie for making so free
Oh me fine honoured lady you have my heart won
And if you deny me Then surely I'm done

Be off little drummer now what do you mean
For I'm the lord's daughter of Ballykisteen
Oh I'm the lords daughter that's honoured you see
Be off little drummer you're making to free

He put on his hat and he bade her farewell
Saying I'll send my soul down to heaven or hell
For with this long pistol that hangs by my side
For I'll put an end to my own dreary life

Come back little drummer and don't take it ill
For I do not want to be guilty of sin
To be guilty of innocent blood for to spill
Come back little drummer I'm here at your will

We'll hire a coach and to Bansha we'll go
There we'll be married in spite of our foes
For but what can say when it's over and done
But I fell in love with the roll of your drum