As I went a-walkin' and a-ramblin' one day, I spied a young couple so fondly did stray.
And one was a young maid so sweet and so fair, and the other one was a soldier and a brave grenadier.
And they kissed so sweet and comforting as they clung to each other.
They went arm-in-arm down the road like sister and brother.
They went arm-in-arm down the road till they came to a stream.
And they both sat down together, loved to hear the nightingale sing.
Then out of his knapsack he drew a fine fiddle, and he played her such merry tunes that you ever did hear.
And he played her such merry tunes that the valleys did ring.
Softly cried the fair maid, hear the nightingale sing.
And they kissed so sweet and comforting as they clung to each other.
They went arm-in-arm down the road like sister and brother.
They went arm-in-arm down the road till they came to a stream.
And they both sat down together, loved to hear the nightingale sing.
Well, I'm off to India for seven long years, drinkin' wine and strong whiskey instead of pale beers.
And if ever I return again, it'll be in the spring.
And we'll both sit down together, loved to hear the nightingale sing.
And they kissed so sweet and comforting as they clung to each other.
They went arm-in-arm down the road like sister and brother.
They went arm-in-arm down the road till they came to a stream.
And they both sat down together, loved to hear the nightingale sing.
Well now, sirs, the fair maid, will you marry me?
Oh no, sirs, the soldier, how ever can that be?
For I've me own wife at home in me own country.
And sure she is the fairest little thing that you ever did see.
And they kissed so sweet and comforting as they clung to each other.
They went arm-in-arm down the road like sister and brother.
They went arm-in-arm down the road till they came to a stream.
And they both sat down together, loved to hear the nightingale sing.