Mary And The Soldier lyrics and guitar chords
Paul Brady, 4/4 A traditional song-The easy to play guitar chords by Marc Fahrbach. For Paul Brady version use capo on the first fret of your guitar. Paul Brady made this one his own, Paul was born in 1947 in the County of Tyrone in Ireland. Around 1967 he joined up with The Johnstones folk group from Slane Co. Meath. He then joined Planxty in 1974 and along with Andy Irvine they released their first album Andy Irvine And Paul Brady which was one of the most famous albums of the 1970's. The guitar chords are in chordpro. The Island song is also here from Paul Brady.
The Song Words And Easy Guitar Chords In The Key Of G Major
Come [G]all you lads of high renown
That will hear of a [D7]fair young [G]maiden
[Alt: On the lofty mountains far away,
there dwells a comely maiden]
And she roved out on a [C]summer's [G]day
For to view the [D7]soldier's pa[G]rading
They march so bold and they [C]look so [G]gay[D7],
The [Em]colours flyin' and the [C]bands did [D7]play
And it [G]caused young [Em]Mary [C]for to [D7]say,
I'll [G]wed you me [D7]gallant [G]soldier"
She [G]viewed the soldiers on parade
And as they [D7]stood at their [G]leisure
Young Mary to her[C]self did [G]say:
"At last I [D7]found my [G]treasure
But oh how cruel my [C]parents must [G]be[D7]
To [Em]banish my darlin' so [C]far from [D7]me
Well I'll [G]leave them [Em]all and I'll [C]go with [D7]thee
Me [G]bold un[D7]doubted [G]soldier"
"Oh [G]Mary dear, your parents' love,
I pray don't [D7]be un[G]ruly
For when you're in a [C]foreign [G]land,
Believe me you'll [D7]rue it [G]surely
Perhaps in battle [C]I might [G]fall[D7]
From a [Em]shot from an angry [C]cannon[D7]ball
And [G]you so [Em]far from your [C]daddy's [D7]hall
Be ad[G]vised by a [D7]gallant [G]soldier."
"Oh I have [G]fifty guineas [n my coat,
Likewise a [D7]heart that's [G]bolder
And I'd leave them all and I'd [C]go with [G]you
Me bold un[D7]daunted [G]soldier
So don't say no but [C]let me [G]go[D7]
And [Em]I will face the [C]daring [D7]foe
And we'll [G]march to[Em]gether [C]to and [D7]fro
And I'll [G]wed you, my [D7]gallant [G]soldier"
And [G]when he saw her loyalty
And Mary [D7]so true-[G]hearted
He said: "Me darling, [C]married we'll [G]be,
And nothing but [D7]death will [G]part us
And when we're in a [C]foreign [G]land[D7]
I'll [Em]guard you, darling, with [C]my right [D7]hand
And [G]hopes that [Em]God might [C]stand a [D7]friend
To [G]Mary and her [D7]gallant [G]soldier"
Lyrics And Chords K - M
Come [G]all you lads of high renown
That will hear of a [D7]fair young [G]maiden
[Alt: On the lofty mountains far away,
there dwells a comely maiden]
And she roved out on a [C]summer's [G]day
For to view the [D7]soldier's pa[G]rading
They march so bold and they [C]look so [G]gay[D7],
The [Em]colours flyin' and the [C]bands did [D7]play
And it [G]caused young [Em]Mary [C]for to [D7]say,
I'll [G]wed you me [D7]gallant [G]soldier"
She [G]viewed the soldiers on parade
And as they [D7]stood at their [G]leisure
Young Mary to her[C]self did [G]say:
"At last I [D7]found my [G]treasure
But oh how cruel my [C]parents must [G]be[D7]
To [Em]banish my darlin' so [C]far from [D7]me
Well I'll [G]leave them [Em]all and I'll [C]go with [D7]thee
Me [G]bold un[D7]doubted [G]soldier"
"Oh [G]Mary dear, your parents' love,
I pray don't [D7]be un[G]ruly
For when you're in a [C]foreign [G]land,
Believe me you'll [D7]rue it [G]surely
Perhaps in battle [C]I might [G]fall[D7]
From a [Em]shot from an angry [C]cannon[D7]ball
And [G]you so [Em]far from your [C]daddy's [D7]hall
Be ad[G]vised by a [D7]gallant [G]soldier."
"Oh I have [G]fifty guineas [n my coat,
Likewise a [D7]heart that's [G]bolder
And I'd leave them all and I'd [C]go with [G]you
Me bold un[D7]daunted [G]soldier
So don't say no but [C]let me [G]go[D7]
And [Em]I will face the [C]daring [D7]foe
And we'll [G]march to[Em]gether [C]to and [D7]fro
And I'll [G]wed you, my [D7]gallant [G]soldier"
And [G]when he saw her loyalty
And Mary [D7]so true-[G]hearted
He said: "Me darling, [C]married we'll [G]be,
And nothing but [D7]death will [G]part us
And when we're in a [C]foreign [G]land[D7]
I'll [Em]guard you, darling, with [C]my right [D7]hand
And [G]hopes that [Em]God might [C]stand a [D7]friend
To [G]Mary and her [D7]gallant [G]soldier"
Lyrics And Chords K - M
Here's the abc file, in case anybody wants to finish what I started with the sheet music.
X: 1
T:Mary And The Soldier
Q:120
M:4/4
L:1/8
K:A
P:A
(3EFG|:A2BA GFE2|A2Bc d2cd |e2ef edcB|1A2c2 E3F/G/:|2A2G2 A4||
w:Come__all you_ lads_ of high re-_nown That will hear of a fair_ young_ mai_den And_
w:***she ro-ved out_ on a summ-er's day For to view the_ sol_dier's par ****-rad_ing
ABcd e2e2|feec (3ded cB|e2ef edcB| ABcA E3F/G/|
w:They_ march
A2BA GFE2|A2Bc d2cd |e2ef edcB| A2G2 A4 ||
X: 1
T:Mary And The Soldier
Q:120
M:4/4
L:1/8
K:A
P:A
(3EFG|:A2BA GFE2|A2Bc d2cd |e2ef edcB|1A2c2 E3F/G/:|2A2G2 A4||
w:Come__all you_ lads_ of high re-_nown That will hear of a fair_ young_ mai_den And_
w:***she ro-ved out_ on a summ-er's day For to view the_ sol_dier's par ****-rad_ing
ABcd e2e2|feec (3ded cB|e2ef edcB| ABcA E3F/G/|
w:They_ march
A2BA GFE2|A2Bc d2cd |e2ef edcB| A2G2 A4 ||
Mary and the soldier is a traditional Irish ballad that dates back to the 18th century. The ballad tells the story of a young maiden, Mary, who falls in love with a soldier. The song is a poignant tale of love, loss, and the effects of war on individuals and their relationships. Over the years, the ballad has been adapted and interpreted by various artists, making it a timeless and beloved piece of Irish folklore.
The ballad begins with Mary, a young maiden, who meets a soldier on the road. She is immediately captivated by him and falls deeply in love. The soldier, who is on his way to fight in a distant land, reciprocates Mary's feelings and promises to return to her. As they part ways, Mary gives him a ribbon as a token of her love and asks him to wear it close to his heart.
Months go by, and Mary eagerly awaits the soldier's return. However, one day, she receives news that he has been killed in battle. Heartbroken and inconsolable, Mary refuses to believe the news and continues to wait for her beloved soldier to return. Meanwhile, the soldier's ghost visits Mary, trying to ease her pain and assure her that he is always with her. Despite his efforts, Mary cannot find solace and eventually dies of a broken heart.
The ballad beautifully portrays the devastating effects of war on individuals and their relationships. It highlights the emotional toll that war takes on soldiers, their loved ones, and the communities they leave behind. The soldier, who is portrayed as a brave and noble figure, is ultimately unable to fulfill his promise to Mary due to the harsh realities of war. His untimely death not only breaks Mary's heart but also leaves her with a sense of betrayal and abandonment.
Moreover, the song also sheds light on the role of women during times of war. Mary is portrayed as a strong and devoted woman who is willing to wait for her lover, even in the face of uncertainty. She symbolizes the resilience and determination of women during times of conflict, who often take on the role of both provider and caregiver for their families.
The ballad has been interpreted and recorded by various artists over the years, each adding their own unique touch to the song. One notable adaptation is by the Irish folk band The Dubliners, who recorded a version of the ballad in 1967. Their rendition of the song became a popular anthem for peace and anti-war sentiment during the turbulent times of the 1960s and 1970s. The Dubliners' version also incorporated Irish traditional music elements, giving the song a distinctly Irish feel.
Another noteworthy interpretation of the ballad is by the American folk singer Joan Baez. Baez's version, released in 1979, has a more somber and haunting tone, perfectly capturing the melancholic essence of the ballad. Her powerful and emotive vocals bring the story of Mary and the soldier to life, making it a standout in her repertoire.
In addition to its musical adaptations, the ballad has also been used in literature and film. The Irish writer James Joyce references the song in his novel 'Finnegans Wake,' where he uses it to symbolize the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The ballad was also featured in the 2019 film 'Wild Rose,' where it plays a significant role in the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and forgiveness.
Mary and the soldier is not just a simple love story; it is a powerful commentary on the human cost of war and the enduring effects it has on individuals and their relationships. The ballad continues to resonate with audiences today, as it did centuries ago, due to its timeless themes of love, loss, and the impact of war on society. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring power of music and storytelling in preserving cultural heritage and passing on important lessons and messages to future generations.
The ballad begins with Mary, a young maiden, who meets a soldier on the road. She is immediately captivated by him and falls deeply in love. The soldier, who is on his way to fight in a distant land, reciprocates Mary's feelings and promises to return to her. As they part ways, Mary gives him a ribbon as a token of her love and asks him to wear it close to his heart.
Months go by, and Mary eagerly awaits the soldier's return. However, one day, she receives news that he has been killed in battle. Heartbroken and inconsolable, Mary refuses to believe the news and continues to wait for her beloved soldier to return. Meanwhile, the soldier's ghost visits Mary, trying to ease her pain and assure her that he is always with her. Despite his efforts, Mary cannot find solace and eventually dies of a broken heart.
The ballad beautifully portrays the devastating effects of war on individuals and their relationships. It highlights the emotional toll that war takes on soldiers, their loved ones, and the communities they leave behind. The soldier, who is portrayed as a brave and noble figure, is ultimately unable to fulfill his promise to Mary due to the harsh realities of war. His untimely death not only breaks Mary's heart but also leaves her with a sense of betrayal and abandonment.
Moreover, the song also sheds light on the role of women during times of war. Mary is portrayed as a strong and devoted woman who is willing to wait for her lover, even in the face of uncertainty. She symbolizes the resilience and determination of women during times of conflict, who often take on the role of both provider and caregiver for their families.
The ballad has been interpreted and recorded by various artists over the years, each adding their own unique touch to the song. One notable adaptation is by the Irish folk band The Dubliners, who recorded a version of the ballad in 1967. Their rendition of the song became a popular anthem for peace and anti-war sentiment during the turbulent times of the 1960s and 1970s. The Dubliners' version also incorporated Irish traditional music elements, giving the song a distinctly Irish feel.
Another noteworthy interpretation of the ballad is by the American folk singer Joan Baez. Baez's version, released in 1979, has a more somber and haunting tone, perfectly capturing the melancholic essence of the ballad. Her powerful and emotive vocals bring the story of Mary and the soldier to life, making it a standout in her repertoire.
In addition to its musical adaptations, the ballad has also been used in literature and film. The Irish writer James Joyce references the song in his novel 'Finnegans Wake,' where he uses it to symbolize the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The ballad was also featured in the 2019 film 'Wild Rose,' where it plays a significant role in the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and forgiveness.
Mary and the soldier is not just a simple love story; it is a powerful commentary on the human cost of war and the enduring effects it has on individuals and their relationships. The ballad continues to resonate with audiences today, as it did centuries ago, due to its timeless themes of love, loss, and the impact of war on society. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring power of music and storytelling in preserving cultural heritage and passing on important lessons and messages to future generations.