In Clannad's version, the young man is a wandering minstrel sort, not a soldier. ("A I went a-walking in the North country; down by Kirkby Stephen I happened for to be; as I went a walking up and down the street a pretty little buy-a-broom I chanced for to meet. (chorus) She kindly then invited me to go a little way; yes was the answer to her I did say; It was with me with me music, walking down the street, and her with her tamborine was keeping time with me" etc.) The rest of the lyrics are similar t te Heoff Wood version posted above with other small differences. He does say "and I rolled her in MY arms", not his arms, which is probably a typo because it's just plain confusing!

In the tavern, the only mention of money spent is the following morning. And instead of the fiver the line is "Both hands upon the table and my darling then she flew." Which implies, perhaps, she sort of leaped out the door without paying.

And the last verse, states "The reason that we parted I now shall let you hear; She started off for Germany right early the next year; and me being unwilling for to cross the raging sea; here's a health unto my bonny lass wherever she may be."