The Soldier's Return (song) composed by Robert Burns - Alan Murray & Brenda Castles
Channel: Burns Library Irish Music Archives, Boston College
Date: 2023-02-21

The Soldier's Return (by Robert Burns), performed by Alan Murray (vocals and bouzouki) and Brenda Castles (concertina and vocals).

Gaelic Roots Series: Dec. 1, 2022, Connolly House, Boston College.

Part of the Gaelic Roots Music, Song, Dance, Workshop, and Lecture Series. http://www.bc.edu/irish

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Lyrics to the Soldier's Return (song) composed by Robert Burns:

When wild war's deadly blast was blown,
And gentle peace returning,
With many a poor babe fatherless,
And many a widow mourning;
I left the lines and tented fields,
Where long I'd been a lodger,
My humble knapsack all my wealth,
A poor but honest soldier.

Well, a leal, light heart was in my breast,
My hands unstained from plunder;
And for fair Scotia home again,
I cheery on did wander:
I thought upon the banks of Coil,
I thought upon my Nancy,
I thought upon her witching smile
That caught my youthful fancy.

Well at last I reached the bonny glen,
Where in my youth I sported;
I passed the mill and trysting thorn,
Where Nancy oft I courted:
What spied I but my own dear maid,
By her mother's dwelling!
I turned me round to hide the flood
That in my eyes was swelling.

With an altered voice, said I, "Sweet lass,
Sweet as a hawthorn's blossom,
O! happy, happy must he be,
That's dearest to thy bosom:
My purse is light, and I've far to go,
If I would be your lodger;
I've served my county long and far, 
Take pity on a poor young soldier."

So wistfully she gazed around,
And lovelier than ever;
Said she, "A soldier once I loved,
And forget him shall I never:
Our humble cot, and homely fare,
Ye freely shall partake of;
For the gallant badge-the dear cockade,
You’re welcome for the sake of."

Well she turned and reddened like a rose -
Pale as any lily;
She sank into me arms, and cried,
"Are you my own dear Willie?"
“Oh the war is over and I’ve come home,
I found you still true hearted,
I am the man; and thus may still
True lovers be rewarded.”