In Bristol lived a lady She was scarce sixteen Courted she was by many Her favor for to win But none of them could suit her Or please her to her mind Until there came a drummer So loving and so kind This drummer he stepped up to her And he stole from her one kiss He said "dear honoured lady, In the regiment will you enlist?" "Oh yes," replied the lady, "This I'll surely do, For while I love your music sweet Likewise your 'rattatoo' too And if you'd consent to marry Or to lie by my side I'll buy your discharge my love In a carriage you will ride" "Oh yes," replied the drummer "How happy I should be, But I'm afraid that you won't lie, With such a poor man as me" "Oh that you may depend on," The lady made reply, "For if I don't wed with you young man, I'll never be made a bride" This couple they got married With servants at their call And the drummer has knocked off playin' Among his comrades all But sometimes when the moon is high This drummer steals awaya And plays on his old army drum 'Til the dawning of the day