JIMMY'S ENLISTED
(OR THE RECRUITED SOLDIER)

Oh, what's the matter with you my lass, and where's your dashing Jimmy?
The soldier boys have picked him up and sent him far, far from me.
Last payday he set off to town, and them red-coated fellows.
Enticed him in and got him drunk, and he'd better gone to the gallows.

The very sight of his cockade, it sets us all a crying.
And me I nearly fainted twice, I thought that he was dying.
My father would have paid the smart, and he ran for the golden guinea.
But the sergeant swore he'd kissed the book, and now they've got young Jimmy.

When Jimmy talks about the war, it's worse than death to hear him.
I must go out and hide my tears, because I cannot bear him.
A brigadier or grenadier he says they're sure to make him.
But aye he jibes and cracks his jokes and bids me not forsake him.

As I walked o'er the stubbled field, below it runs the seam.
I though of Jimmy hewing there but it was just a dream.
He hewed the very coals we burn and when the fire I's leeting,
To think the lumps was in his hands, it sets my heart to beating.

So break my heart and then it's o'er, so break my heart my dearie.
And I'll lie in the cold, cold grave, for of single life I'm weary.

From A.L.Lloyd 'Come all ye bold miners'