SWANSEA BARRACKS (THE LASS OF SWANSEA TOWN)

'Twas down by Swansea barracks I alone one morning strayed
A-viewing of the soldier's, Oh I saw a pretty maid,
Her hair it was as black as jet, in ringlets hanging down,
She was a blooming rose of South Wales and a lass of Swansea town.

(Chorus)
Her hair it was as black as jet, in ringlets hanging down.
Search the universe all over and her equal can't be found.
She was a blooming rose of South Wales and a lass of Swansea town.

I said, "My pretty fair maid, what makes you wander here?"
She said "Kind sir I am watching for my bonny soldier dear.
Eight years ago he left me, when to Bermuda he was bound,
And he vowed he would prove faithful to the lass of Swansea town."
(Chorus)

I said "My pretty fair maid, sad news I have to tell.
Your lover was my comrade and in the battle fell.
A cannon ball made him to fall and gave him his death wound,
And he begged me to protect the blooming lass of Swansea Town."
(Chorus)

Then on the ground in agony this pretty maid did fall,
Saying "I never shall rest 'til in my breast there strikes a cannon ball.
Eight years ago he left me, when to Bermuda he was bound,
And he vowed he would prove faithful to the lass of Swansea town."
(Chorus)

From the BBC Recording of Phil Tanner, aged 87, at Penmaen 20 May 1949.
Issued on Veteran VT145CD