The Nightingale

[A]As I went a [D]walking one [E]morning in [A]May
I met a young couple so fondly did [E]stray
[A]One was a young maid so sweet and so [E]fair
And the [A]other was a [D]soldier and a [E]brave gren[A]adier

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