Origins: Mary and the Soldier

Subject: Origins: Mary and the (Gallant) Soldier
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Mar 16 - 05:02 PM

I'm under the impression this song is Irish, but I'm curious if anyone knows its background or age. Perhaps it's known across the British Isles. I have also heard it with the names Peggy (from Connie Dover) and Annie (from Hank Cramer). It is NOT Peggy and the Soldier.

It's in the database as
Mary and the Soldier.

Subject: RE: Origins: Mary and the Soldier
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 18 Mar 16 - 05:34 PM

It is the same metre and pattern as 'The Rambling Soldier' and others of that family that all go to the same tune, but I can't place this text at the moment.

Subject: RE: Origins: Mary and the Soldier
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 18 Mar 16 - 05:44 PM

Okay, I've found it. It's Scots and more usually goes under the title 'The Highland Soldier'. There is an Irish version in the Sam Henry collection which is probably the source of your version noticed here. It's at 'Songs of the People' p229.

There are lots of versions in the Greig-Duncan Collection, and there is a Wheeler, Manchester broadside in the Madden Collection.

Subject: RE: Origins: Mary and the Soldier
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 18 Mar 16 - 07:28 PM

Mary and the Soldier ... one of Paul Brady's finest performances

Subject: RE: Origins: Mary and the Soldier
From: JenBurdoo
Date: 18 Mar 16 - 07:29 PM

That was me, I accidentally posted as plain Guest. Thanks for the comments!