Planxty - Arthur Mcbride lyrics

rate me

I had a first cousin called Arthur McBride

He and I took a stroll down by the by the sea side

A seeking good fortune and what might be tide

'Twas just as the day was a dawning

After resting we both took a tramp

We met Sergeant Harper and Corporal Cramp

Besides the wee drummer who beat up for camp

With his rowdy dow dow in the morning

Says he me young fellows if you will enlist

A guinea you quickly have in your fist

Likewise the crown for to kick the dust

And drink the king's health in the morning

From a soldier he leads a very fine life

He always is blessed with a charming young wife

And he pays all his debts without sorrow or strife

And always lives happy and charming

Ah now me bold sergeant we are not for sale

We'll make no such bargain, your bribe won't avail

We're not tried of our country we don't care to sail

Although that your offer is charming

And if we were such fools as to take the advance

This right bloody slander would be our poor chance

For the Queen wouldn't scruple to send us to France

Where we would be shot with out warning

He says me young fellows if I hear but one word

I instantly now will out with my sword

And into your body as strength will afford

So now my gay devils take warning

But Arthur and I we took in the odds

We gave them no chance for to launch out their swords

Our whacking shillelaghs came over their heads

And paid them right smart in the morning

As for the wee drummer we rifled his pouch

And we made a foot- ball of his rowdy dow dow

And into the ocean to rock and to roll

And bade it a tedious returning

As for the old rapier that hung by his side

We flung it as far as we could in tide

To devil I pitch you sez Arthur McBride

To temper your steel in the morning