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 fa ir
And the other was a soldier and a brave gren adier



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



Chorus



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






Chorus

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



Chorus



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



Chorus