In Bristol lived a lady
She was scarce sixteen
Courted she was by many
Her favor for to win
But none of them could suit her
Or please her to her mind
Until there came a drummer
So loving and so kind
This drummer he stepped up to her
And he stole from her one kiss
He said "dear honoured lady,
In the regiment will you enlist?"
"Oh yes," replied the lady,
"This I'll surely do,
For while I love your music sweet
Likewise your 'rattatoo' too
And if you'd consent to marry
Or to lie by my side
I'll buy your discharge my love
In a carriage you will ride"
"Oh yes," replied the drummer
"How happy I should be,
But I'm afraid that you won't lie,
With such a poor man as me"
"Oh that you may depend on,"
The lady made reply,
"For if I don't wed with you young man,
I'll never be made a bride"
This couple they got married
With servants at their call
And the drummer has knocked off playin'
Among his comrades all
But sometimes when the moon is high
This drummer steals awaya
And plays on his old army drum
'Til the dawning of the day