I can't believe I couldn't find this in the database, it has been so well known hereabouts - it must be over thirty years since I first heard it, and I thought everyone must know it! My copy goes:

LANCASHIRE LADS

Oh it was last Monday morning as I have heard them say
Our orders came that afternoon (Or alternatively, from Manchester), we were to march away
Leaving many pretty fair maids to cry what shall we do
For the Lancashire lads have gone away, whatever shall we do

Chorus: Oh the Lancashire lads have gone abroad, whatever shall we do
Leaving many a pretty maid to cry what shall I do

Said the mother to her daughter, What makes you talk so strange
For you to be a soldier's wife, the wide world for to range
For soldiers they are rambling boys and get but little pay
And how can they maintain a wife on fourteen pence a day?

Said the mother to her daughter, I'll have you close confined
You'll never marry a Lancashire Lad, he'll be no son of mine
Should you confine me seven long years and after set me free
I'll search for my Lancashire Lad when I've gained my liberty

My love is clothed in scarlet and turn-ed up with blue
And in every town that he goes through, to his sweetheart he'll be true
Oh we'll have money enough, brave boys, and girls to please our mind
But we'll never forget sweet Manchester (or Wigan, or wherever) and the girls we left behind

This song is normally done to a bouncy tune, but some years ago, Mike Harding sang it, without the chorus, to the tune of Star Of The County Down, as a slow air, which was extremely effective. Have fun singing it!

Joan