I had a first cousin called Arthur McBride

and we went a-walking down by the seaside

Seeking good fortune and what might betide

for it being on Christmas morning



For recreation we went on a tramp

where we met Sergeant Harper and Corporal Crump

And a little wee drummer intending to camp

for the day being pleasant and charming

"Good morning, good morning" the sergeant did cry

"And the same to you gentlemen" we did reply

Intending no harm, we made to pass by

For it being on Christmas mornin'



Says he, "My fine fellows, if you will enlist

it's ten guineas I quickly will shove in your fist

And a crown in the bargain to kick off the dust

and to drink the king's health in the morning

For a soldier he leads a very fine life

and he always is blessed with a pretty young wife

And he pays all his debts without worry or strife

and always is pleasant and charming



And a soldier, he always is decent and clean

in the finest of clothes he is constantly seen

While other poor fellows are dirty and mean

and sup on thin gruel in the morning"



But says Arthur, I wouldn't be proud of your clothes

for you've only the lend of them, as I suppose

And you dare not remove them at night

for you know if you do, you'll be flogged in the morning



And although that we are single and free

we take great delight in our own company

And we have no desire strange faces to see

although your offers are charming

And we have no desire to take your advance

of hazards and dangers we'll barter our chance

For you have no scruples and will send us to France

where we'll surely be shot without warning



Oh now, says the sergeant, if I hear one more word

I instantly then will draw