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"
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"
in 4/4, key of G, in a traditional Irish marching-ballad style.
🎸 Strumming Pattern (4/4 – Irish march)
↓ ↓ ↑ ↑ ↓ ↑
(steady, forward-driving)
🎸 Fingerpicking Pattern (4/4 – Folk Ballad)
T – 3 – 2 – 1 – 2 – 3 – 2 – 1
(thumb carries bass; let notes ring)
🎵 VERSE — 3 bars per line
Come all you lads of high renown
G.......................D7......................G
e|---3-------3-------3-|---1-------1-------1-|---3-------3-------3-|
B|---0---0---0---0---0-|---2---2---2---2---2-|---0---0---0---0---0-|
G|---0-------0-------0-|---2-------2-------2-|---0-------0-------0-|
D|----------------------|---0------------------|----------------------|
A|---2------------------|----------------------|---2------------------|
E|---3------------------|----------------------|---3------------------|
That will hear of a fair young maiden
G.......................C.......................G
e|---3-------3-------3-|---0-------0-------0-|---3-------3-------3-|
B|---0---0---0---0---0-|---1---1---1---1---1-|---0---0---0---0---0-|
G|---0-------0-------0-|---0-------0-------0-|---0-------0-------0-|
D|----------------------|---2------------------|----------------------|
A|---2------------------|---3------------------|---2------------------|
E|---3------------------|----------------------|---3------------------|
And she roved out on a summer’s day
C.......................G.......................D7
e|---0-------0-------0-|---3-------3-------3-|---1-------1-------1-|
B|---1---1---1---1---1-|---0---0---0---0---0-|---2---2---2---2---2-|
G|---0-------0-------0-|---0-------0-------0-|---2-------2-------2-|
D|---2------------------|---0------------------|---0------------------|
A|---3------------------|---2------------------|----------------------|
E|----------------------|---3------------------|----------------------|
For to view the soldier’s parading
G.......................C.......................G
e|---3-------3-------3-|---0-------0-------0-|---3-------3-------3-|
B|---0---0---0---0---0-|---1---1---1---1---1-|---0---0---0---0---0-|
G|---0-------0-------0-|---0-------0-------0-|---0-------0-------0-|
D|----------------------|---2------------------|----------------------|
A|---2------------------|---3------------------|---2------------------|
E|---3------------------|----------------------|---3------------------|
They march so bold and they look so gay,
D7......................Em......................C
e|---1-------1-------1-|---0-------0-------0-|---0-------0-------0-|
B|---2---2---2---2---2-|---0---0---0---0---0-|---1---1---1---1---1-|
G|---2-------2-------2-|---0-------0-------0-|---0-------0-------0-|
D|---0------------------|---2------------------|---2------------------|
A|----------------------|---2------------------|---3------------------|
E|----------------------|---0------------------|----------------------|
The colours flyin’ and the bands did play
D7......................G.......................Em
e|---1-------1-------1-|---3-------3-------3-|---0-------0-------0-|
B|---2---2---2---2---2-|---0---0---0---0---0-|---0---0---0---0---0-|
G|---2-------2-------2-|---0-------0-------0-|---0-------0-------0-|
D|---0------------------|----------------------|---2------------------|
A|----------------------|---2------------------|---2------------------|
E|----------------------|---3------------------|---0------------------|
And it caused young Mary for to say,
C.......................D7......................G
e|---0-------0-------0-|---1-------1-------1-|---3-------3-------3-|
B|---1---1---1---1---1-|---2---2---2---2---2-|---0---0---0---0---0-|
G|---0-------0-------0-|---2-------2-------2-|---0-------0-------0-|
D|---2------------------|---0------------------|----------------------|
A|---3------------------|----------------------|---2------------------|
E|----------------------|----------------------|---3------------------|
“I'll wed you my gallant soldier.”
G.......................D7......................G
e|---3-------3-------3-|---1-------1-------1-|---3-------3-------3-|
B|---0---0---0---0---0-|---2---2---2---2---2-|---0---0---0---0---0-|
G|---0-------0-------0-|---2-------2-------2-|---0-------0-------0-|
D|----------------------|---0------------------|----------------------|
A|---2------------------|----------------------|---2------------------|
E|---3------------------|----------------------|---3------------------|
🎸 Strumming Pattern (4/4 – Irish march)
↓ ↓ ↑ ↑ ↓ ↑
(steady, forward-driving)
🎸 Fingerpicking Pattern (4/4 – Folk Ballad)
T – 3 – 2 – 1 – 2 – 3 – 2 – 1
(thumb carries bass; let notes ring)
🎵 VERSE — 3 bars per line
Come all you lads of high renown
G.......................D7......................G
e|---3-------3-------3-|---1-------1-------1-|---3-------3-------3-|
B|---0---0---0---0---0-|---2---2---2---2---2-|---0---0---0---0---0-|
G|---0-------0-------0-|---2-------2-------2-|---0-------0-------0-|
D|----------------------|---0------------------|----------------------|
A|---2------------------|----------------------|---2------------------|
E|---3------------------|----------------------|---3------------------|
That will hear of a fair young maiden
G.......................C.......................G
e|---3-------3-------3-|---0-------0-------0-|---3-------3-------3-|
B|---0---0---0---0---0-|---1---1---1---1---1-|---0---0---0---0---0-|
G|---0-------0-------0-|---0-------0-------0-|---0-------0-------0-|
D|----------------------|---2------------------|----------------------|
A|---2------------------|---3------------------|---2------------------|
E|---3------------------|----------------------|---3------------------|
And she roved out on a summer’s day
C.......................G.......................D7
e|---0-------0-------0-|---3-------3-------3-|---1-------1-------1-|
B|---1---1---1---1---1-|---0---0---0---0---0-|---2---2---2---2---2-|
G|---0-------0-------0-|---0-------0-------0-|---2-------2-------2-|
D|---2------------------|---0------------------|---0------------------|
A|---3------------------|---2------------------|----------------------|
E|----------------------|---3------------------|----------------------|
For to view the soldier’s parading
G.......................C.......................G
e|---3-------3-------3-|---0-------0-------0-|---3-------3-------3-|
B|---0---0---0---0---0-|---1---1---1---1---1-|---0---0---0---0---0-|
G|---0-------0-------0-|---0-------0-------0-|---0-------0-------0-|
D|----------------------|---2------------------|----------------------|
A|---2------------------|---3------------------|---2------------------|
E|---3------------------|----------------------|---3------------------|
They march so bold and they look so gay,
D7......................Em......................C
e|---1-------1-------1-|---0-------0-------0-|---0-------0-------0-|
B|---2---2---2---2---2-|---0---0---0---0---0-|---1---1---1---1---1-|
G|---2-------2-------2-|---0-------0-------0-|---0-------0-------0-|
D|---0------------------|---2------------------|---2------------------|
A|----------------------|---2------------------|---3------------------|
E|----------------------|---0------------------|----------------------|
The colours flyin’ and the bands did play
D7......................G.......................Em
e|---1-------1-------1-|---3-------3-------3-|---0-------0-------0-|
B|---2---2---2---2---2-|---0---0---0---0---0-|---0---0---0---0---0-|
G|---2-------2-------2-|---0-------0-------0-|---0-------0-------0-|
D|---0------------------|----------------------|---2------------------|
A|----------------------|---2------------------|---2------------------|
E|----------------------|---3------------------|---0------------------|
And it caused young Mary for to say,
C.......................D7......................G
e|---0-------0-------0-|---1-------1-------1-|---3-------3-------3-|
B|---1---1---1---1---1-|---2---2---2---2---2-|---0---0---0---0---0-|
G|---0-------0-------0-|---2-------2-------2-|---0-------0-------0-|
D|---2------------------|---0------------------|----------------------|
A|---3------------------|----------------------|---2------------------|
E|----------------------|----------------------|---3------------------|
“I'll wed you my gallant soldier.”
G.......................D7......................G
e|---3-------3-------3-|---1-------1-------1-|---3-------3-------3-|
B|---0---0---0---0---0-|---2---2---2---2---2-|---0---0---0---0---0-|
G|---0-------0-------0-|---2-------2-------2-|---0-------0-------0-|
D|----------------------|---0------------------|----------------------|
A|---2------------------|----------------------|---2------------------|
E|---3------------------|----------------------|---3------------------|
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 ||
Niamh Farrell lyrics Mary And The Soldier
💚 Mary and the Soldier
Type: Traditional Irish / British folk ballad
Roud Index: Roud 552
Earliest known versions: Early 19th century (Ireland and England)
Genre: Folk love ballad
Themes: Love, war, loyalty, courage
🎵 Overview
“Mary and the Soldier” is a traditional love ballad that tells the story of a young woman who falls in love with a soldier and insists on following him to war.
It’s a romantic narrative — full of tenderness and quiet bravery — that contrasts the harsh realities of military life with the steadfast devotion of a woman who refuses to be separated from her beloved.
This song has been passed down through oral tradition across Ireland, England, and Scotland, with countless regional variants. It became especially popular in Ireland during the 19th and early 20th centuries and remains a staple of Irish folk music today.
🗣️ Story Summary
The narrative usually unfolds like this:
Mary meets the soldier.
A young soldier is preparing to leave for war. Mary, deeply in love, asks where he is going.
He tells her to stay home.
The soldier warns her that life in the army is harsh — full of danger, hardship, and death. He tells her she must stay safely at home.
Mary insists on going with him.
She bravely declares that she will “be true to my soldier boy” and travel wherever he goes, whether through hardship or glory.
The soldier relents.
Moved by her devotion, he agrees to take her along — or promises to marry her when he returns.
The ending (varies).
Some versions end with Mary disguised as a soldier, marching alongside him.
Others end with a poignant farewell, or with the couple united despite all odds.
🪕 Typical Lyrics (Irish version)
Here’s a well-known Irish version popularized by Paul Brady:
Come all you lads of high renown
That would hear of a fair young maiden,
As she roved out on a summer’s day,
For pleasure she was sailing.
As she met a soldier bold,
Who caused her heart to tremble,
For when she looked in his smiling face,
She loved the soldier dearly.
“Mary dear,” the soldier cried,
“I’m afraid you’ll be mistreated,
For the narrow roads and the camp-fire smoke
Would fill your heart with sorrow.”
“Then I will go with you, my love,
Wherever you may wander,
And I will prove my soldier’s bride,
And be your constant lover.”
(The full song continues with verses describing their devotion and the promise of love everlasting.)
🎶 Musical Style
Meter: 4/4 or 3/4 (depending on version)
Key: Often performed in D major, G major, or A minor
Tempo: Moderate and lyrical — a storytelling pace
Style: Narrative ballad; traditionally unaccompanied, later arranged for guitar or fiddle
Mood: Tender, emotional, and resolute
🎤 Notable Recordings
Paul Brady – His 1976 version on Welcome Here Kind Stranger is perhaps the most famous, with exquisite guitar work and emotive singing.
Sinead O’Connor – Recorded a haunting rendition in the early 1990s, emphasizing the feminine perspective.
The Chieftains & Dolores Keane – A classic collaboration that blends traditional Irish instrumentation with expressive vocals.
Andy Irvine – Has performed variants focusing on the story’s historical and romantic roots.
Cara Dillon – Her version is delicate and ethereal, highlighting the song’s timeless quality.
🇮🇪 Cultural and Historical Context
The song emerged during a time when soldiers were commonly recruited from rural Ireland and Britain to fight in the Napoleonic Wars (early 1800s).
Women often faced long separations from their partners — some even disguised themselves as men to join them, a theme found in several traditional ballads (e.g., Sweet Polly Oliver, The Banks of the Nile).
“Mary and the Soldier” celebrates the courage and agency of women, portraying Mary not as a passive sweetheart but as an equal partner in love and sacrifice.
This strong, loyal female character made the song stand out in a genre often dominated by male perspectives.
💬 Themes and Symbolism
Theme Description
Love & Loyalty Mary’s devotion transcends hardship and fear.
War & Separation The looming threat of conflict gives the love story urgency.
Female Strength Mary defies expectations by choosing bravery over safety.
Freedom & Choice A subtle expression of independence — choosing love on her own terms.
🧭 Legacy
“Mary and the Soldier” endures as one of the most beloved Irish folk love songs — a gentle yet powerful testament to loyalty and love in the face of danger.
It’s sung both in traditional Irish sessions and on concert stages worldwide, carrying the universal message that love is stronger than fear.
For modern audiences, it remains both a romantic ballad and a feminist statement — a song where love is not weakness, but courage.
🎼 Fun Fact
Paul Brady’s version is often used by guitarists as a masterclass in fingerstyle Irish accompaniment, blending intricate picking patterns with traditional ornamentation — making it one of the most respected arrangements in Irish folk music.
🪶 Summary
Element Details
Song Title: Mary and the Soldier
Type: Traditional Irish folk ballad
Themes: Love, loyalty, courage, female independence
Famous Versions: Paul Brady, Sinead O’Connor, Dolores Keane, The Chieftains
Mood: Romantic, bittersweet, and noble
Legacy: One of Ireland’s most enduring love songs
💚 Mary and the Soldier
Type: Traditional Irish / British folk ballad
Roud Index: Roud 552
Earliest known versions: Early 19th century (Ireland and England)
Genre: Folk love ballad
Themes: Love, war, loyalty, courage
🎵 Overview
“Mary and the Soldier” is a traditional love ballad that tells the story of a young woman who falls in love with a soldier and insists on following him to war.
It’s a romantic narrative — full of tenderness and quiet bravery — that contrasts the harsh realities of military life with the steadfast devotion of a woman who refuses to be separated from her beloved.
This song has been passed down through oral tradition across Ireland, England, and Scotland, with countless regional variants. It became especially popular in Ireland during the 19th and early 20th centuries and remains a staple of Irish folk music today.
🗣️ Story Summary
The narrative usually unfolds like this:
Mary meets the soldier.
A young soldier is preparing to leave for war. Mary, deeply in love, asks where he is going.
He tells her to stay home.
The soldier warns her that life in the army is harsh — full of danger, hardship, and death. He tells her she must stay safely at home.
Mary insists on going with him.
She bravely declares that she will “be true to my soldier boy” and travel wherever he goes, whether through hardship or glory.
The soldier relents.
Moved by her devotion, he agrees to take her along — or promises to marry her when he returns.
The ending (varies).
Some versions end with Mary disguised as a soldier, marching alongside him.
Others end with a poignant farewell, or with the couple united despite all odds.
🪕 Typical Lyrics (Irish version)
Here’s a well-known Irish version popularized by Paul Brady:
Come all you lads of high renown
That would hear of a fair young maiden,
As she roved out on a summer’s day,
For pleasure she was sailing.
As she met a soldier bold,
Who caused her heart to tremble,
For when she looked in his smiling face,
She loved the soldier dearly.
“Mary dear,” the soldier cried,
“I’m afraid you’ll be mistreated,
For the narrow roads and the camp-fire smoke
Would fill your heart with sorrow.”
“Then I will go with you, my love,
Wherever you may wander,
And I will prove my soldier’s bride,
And be your constant lover.”
(The full song continues with verses describing their devotion and the promise of love everlasting.)
🎶 Musical Style
Meter: 4/4 or 3/4 (depending on version)
Key: Often performed in D major, G major, or A minor
Tempo: Moderate and lyrical — a storytelling pace
Style: Narrative ballad; traditionally unaccompanied, later arranged for guitar or fiddle
Mood: Tender, emotional, and resolute
🎤 Notable Recordings
Paul Brady – His 1976 version on Welcome Here Kind Stranger is perhaps the most famous, with exquisite guitar work and emotive singing.
Sinead O’Connor – Recorded a haunting rendition in the early 1990s, emphasizing the feminine perspective.
The Chieftains & Dolores Keane – A classic collaboration that blends traditional Irish instrumentation with expressive vocals.
Andy Irvine – Has performed variants focusing on the story’s historical and romantic roots.
Cara Dillon – Her version is delicate and ethereal, highlighting the song’s timeless quality.
🇮🇪 Cultural and Historical Context
The song emerged during a time when soldiers were commonly recruited from rural Ireland and Britain to fight in the Napoleonic Wars (early 1800s).
Women often faced long separations from their partners — some even disguised themselves as men to join them, a theme found in several traditional ballads (e.g., Sweet Polly Oliver, The Banks of the Nile).
“Mary and the Soldier” celebrates the courage and agency of women, portraying Mary not as a passive sweetheart but as an equal partner in love and sacrifice.
This strong, loyal female character made the song stand out in a genre often dominated by male perspectives.
💬 Themes and Symbolism
Theme Description
Love & Loyalty Mary’s devotion transcends hardship and fear.
War & Separation The looming threat of conflict gives the love story urgency.
Female Strength Mary defies expectations by choosing bravery over safety.
Freedom & Choice A subtle expression of independence — choosing love on her own terms.
🧭 Legacy
“Mary and the Soldier” endures as one of the most beloved Irish folk love songs — a gentle yet powerful testament to loyalty and love in the face of danger.
It’s sung both in traditional Irish sessions and on concert stages worldwide, carrying the universal message that love is stronger than fear.
For modern audiences, it remains both a romantic ballad and a feminist statement — a song where love is not weakness, but courage.
🎼 Fun Fact
Paul Brady’s version is often used by guitarists as a masterclass in fingerstyle Irish accompaniment, blending intricate picking patterns with traditional ornamentation — making it one of the most respected arrangements in Irish folk music.
🪶 Summary
Element Details
Song Title: Mary and the Soldier
Type: Traditional Irish folk ballad
Themes: Love, loyalty, courage, female independence
Famous Versions: Paul Brady, Sinead O’Connor, Dolores Keane, The Chieftains
Mood: Romantic, bittersweet, and noble
Legacy: One of Ireland’s most enduring love songs
