She'd slip away each day with the dimming light

And with the sweetest smile she'd kiss the child goodnight

At the mill she'd work her fingers till they were raw

For the sake of her son and the daddy he never saw



Mary danced with soldiers

She stepped a light quadrille

Shawl across her shoulders

To keep away the chill, to keep away the chill



It was a rebel boy who brought her joy they say

Though the years had passed the memories stood fast each day

Before a bullet crushed the life of their romance

He gave her a shawl and a parasol from France



Mary danced with soldiers

She stepped a light quadrille

Shawl across her shoulders

To keep away the chill, to keep away the chill



They came around to the tavern in town that night

And with silent cries Mary never tried to fight

They cut her hair and left her body torn

Her spirit slipped away before the dawn



Mary danced with soldiers

But now her body's still

Shawl across her shoulders

To keep away the chill



Mary danced with soldiers

She stepped a light quadrille

Shawl across her shoulders

To keep away the chill, to keep away the chill