Author Unknown
One fine summer’s evening both gallant and gay
Twenty-four ladies went out on the quay
A regiment of soldiers soon passed them by
A drummer and one of them soon caught his eye
He went to his comrade and to him did say
Twenty-four ladies I saw yesterday
And one of them ladies has my heart won
And if she denies me I’m surely undone
Go to this lady and tell her your mind
Tell her she has wounded your poor heart inside
Tell her she has wounded your poor heart full sore
And if she denies you what can you do more
Early next morning the drummer arose
Dressed himself up in the finest of clothes
A watch in his pocket and a cane in his hand
Saluting the ladies he walked down the strand
He went up to her and he said pardon me
I’m the young drummer who caught your eye
Fine honoured lady you have my heart won
And if you deny me I’m surely undone
Get off little drummer what do you mean
I am the lord’s daughter from Ballykisteen
I’m the lords daughter I’m honoured you see
Get off outta that and stop makin so free
He put on his hat and he bade her farewell
Saying I’ll send my soul down to heaven or hell
With this pistol that hangs by my side
I’ll put an end to my dreary young life
Come back little drummer don’t take it so ill
I do not want to be guilty of sin
To be guilty of innocent blood for to spill
Come back little drummer I’m here at your will
We’ll hire a car and to Bansha we’ll go
There we’ll be married in spite of our foes
For what can be said when it’s over and done
But I fell in love with the roll of your drum