[D]I had a first cousin called Arthur McBride
He and[G] I took a[D] stroll down[Em] by the sea[G]side
a[D] seeking good fortune and what might be[Bm] tide
it was[D] just as the[Em] day was a[G] dawn[A]ing
And[D] after restin we[G] both took a[D] tramp
we[G] met Seargeant[D] Harper and [Em]Corporal [G]Cramp
[D besides the wee drummer who[Bm] beat up for camp
with his[A] rowdy dou[G] dou in the mor[D]ning

He said my young fellows, if you will enlist
a guinea you quickly will get in your fist
and besides a crown for to kick up the dust
and drink the King's health in the morning
For a soldier, he leads a very fine life.
He always is blest with a charming young wife
And he pays all his debts without sorrow or strife,
And always lives happy and charming

Ah, no w, me bold sergeant, we are not for sale,
We'll nay make such bargain,and your bribe won't avail
We're not tired of our country, we don't care to sail.
Although that your offer is charming.
But had we been such fools as to take the advance,
It's right bloody slender would be our poor chance,
For the Queen wouldn't scruple for to send us to France
Where we would be shot without warning.

He says my young fellows if I hear but one word
I instantly now will out with my sword
and into your bodies as strength might afford
so now me gay devils take warning
but Arthur and I we soon took the odds
and we gave them no chance for to launch out their swords
our wacking shillelaghs came over their heads
and paid them right smart in the morning

As for the wee drummer we rifled his pouch
and we made a football of his rowdy dou dou
and into the ocean for to rock and to roll
And barring its tedious returning
As for the ould rapier that hung by his side
we flung it as far as we could in the tide
To the divil I pitch you says Arthur McBride
To temper your steel in the morning.


(One of Planxty's versions, transcribed)