SANDY IS A SOLDIER

(Eric Bogle)

The blossoms of the wildhood rose hang heavy on the bough
Though once they were my heart's delight they do not move me now
My heart holds only sorrow, grief and bitter pain
Since Sandy went a-soldiering along the coast of Spain.

My Sandy is a soldier in the armies of the King
In foreign land at the King's commands he goes a-soldiering
Many's the green and verdant vale he's put tae sword and flame
And now he plies his bloody trade along the coast of Spain

How often hae we walked these hills my soldier love and me
And built a bower o'fern and moss beneath the wild rose tree
In the dark and secret bower, in leve's languour we hae lain
I wonder if he thinks of this along the coast of Spain

Fu' twice the rose has bloomed and died since Sandy marched awa'
Fu' twice the bright gowd summer sun has turned tae winter snaw
There's been nae summertime in my heart, black winter-time does reign
Since Sandy went a-soldiering along the coast of Spain

But when the wild rose blooms again perhaps he will return
And he might be a husband tae me and a father tae his bairn
God protect my Sandy and bring he safely hame
Mae mair tae gang a-soldiering along the coast of Spain

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Sung by Eric Bogle on 'Pure'

About the Spanish War (1804-14). Many Scottish regiments fought there and not a few died there. But there's seems to be a lack of songs about it, though there are probably thousands, I don't research my facts very vigorously! The song is then about the pregnant girl left behind, a very old story indeed.In those days, of course, if the soldier was killed overseas, there was no telegram from the Army. He just didn't come back, so those left behind could only wait and home until hope finally died. Eric.

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Submitted by EB

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I've collected most of the lyrics I've posted here during the past months.
These lyrics, along with the .RA audioclips, are available at
http://geocities.com/Nashville/Opry/7424
Ezio