Ewan MacColl
The Manchester Angel
[Verse 1]
It's coming down to Manchester to gain my liberty
I met one of the prettiest that ever me eyes did I see
I met one of the prettiest that ever me eyes did I see
At the Angel Inn in Manchester, there is the girl for me
[Verse 2]
Early next morning, before the break of day
I went to my love's bedside, my morning vows to pay
I hugged her, I cuddlеd her, I bade her to liе warm;
And she said: "Me jolly soldier, do you mean me any harm?"
[Verse 3]
"To mean you any harm, my love, is a thing that I would scorn
If you'll let me lie all night with you, I'll marry you in the morn
Before my lawful officer, my vows I will fulfil."
Then she said, " Me jolly soldier, you may lie as long as you will.'
[Verse 4]
On Thursday, a rout came, on the Monday marched away
The drums and the bugles so sweetily they did play
Some hearts they were merry, but mine was filled with woe
"Will you let me go along with you? " " Oh no, my love, oh no."
"If I saw you stand on sentry, on a cold and bitter day
Your colours they would go, love, and your beauties would decay
Your colours they would go, love, and your beauties would decay
So stay at home, dear Nancy." But still she answered, "Nay"
[Verse 5]
"I will get down to your officer, and fall down on me knees
Ten guineas I'll surrender to buy me love's discharge
And if that will not do my love, along with you
"Will you let me go along with you? " " Oh no, my love, oh no."
[Verse 6]
"I will get down to some nunnery and there I'll end me life
I never will get married, nor yet become a wife
I'll always be true-hearted, I'll never love again
And I never get married till me soldier comes again!"