Frankie Armstrong recorded a ballad called "Tarry Trousers" in which a young girl dreams and fantasizes about joining her love and fighting in battles.

TARRY TROUSERS
As recorded by Frankie Armstrong on "Lovely on the Water" (1972)

As I walked out one midsummer morning
The weather being both fine and clear,
Who should I hear but a tender mother
Talking to her daughter dear.

"Daughter I would have you marry
And live no longer a single life."
But she says, "Mother, I'd rather tarry
For me sailor boy so bright."

"But daughter, they are given to roaming;
Into foreign countries they do go.
And then they'll leave you broken-hearted
And that will prove your overthrow."

"I'll dress myself in sailor's clothing,
No foreign dangers will I fear.
And when we are in the height of battle,
Then I'll protect my Jamie dear."

"Hark! How the big guns, they do rattle,
And the small guns, they do make their noise--
And when we are in the height of battle
I'll cry 'Fight on, me jolly boys!'"

"Me mother would have me wed a tailor
And rob me of me heart's delight;
But give me the lad whose tarry trousers
Shine to me like diamonds bright."

Moira