Standard (EADGBE)

As I went a walking one morning in May

I met a young couple so fondly did stray

One was a young maid so sweet and so fair

And the other was a soldier and a brave grenadier

Chorus

And they kissed so sweet and comforting as they clung to each other

They went arm in arm along the road like sister and brother

They went arm in arm along the road til they came to a stream

And they both sat down together love to hear the nightingale sing

Chor

Well out of his knapsack he took a fine fiddle

He played her such a merry tune that you ever did hear

He played her such merry tunes that the valley did ring

And softly cried the fair maid as the nightingale sings

Chor

Oh I'm off to India for seven long years

Drinking wines and strong whiskeys instead of strong beers

And if ever I return again it will be in the spring

And we'll both sit down together love to hear the nightingale sing

Chor

Well then said the fair maid, will you marry me

Oh no, says the soldier, however can that be

For I've my own wife at home in my own country

And she is the finest little maid that you ever did see

Chor