Soldier, Soldier, Will You Marry Me?

Album: various (1903)
Play Video
  • Soldier soldier will you marry me
    With your musket fife and drum?
    Oh how can I marry such a pretty girl as you
    When I have no hat to put on?
    Off to the haberdasher she did go
    As fast as she could run
    Bought him a hat the best that there was
    And the soldier put it on

    Soldier soldier will you marry me
    With your musket fife and drum?
    Oh how can I marry such a pretty girl as you
    When I have no coat to put on?
    Off to the tailor she did go
    As fast as she could run
    She brought him back the finest that was there
    And the soldier put it on

    Soldier soldier will you marry me
    With your musket fife and drum?
    Oh how can I marry such a pretty girl as you
    When I have no boots to put on?
    Off to the cobbler she did go
    As fast as she could run
    She brought him back the finest that was there
    And the soldier put it on

    Soldier soldier will you marry me
    With your musket fife and drum?
    Oh how can I marry such a pretty girl as you
    When I have no pants to put on?
    Off to the tailor she did go
    As fast as she could run
    She brought him a pair the finest that was there
    And the soldier put it on

    Soldier soldier will you marry me
    With your musket fife and drum?
    Well how can I marry such a pretty girl as you
    With a wife and child at home? Lyrics from a song in Public Domain

Comments: 4

  • Seventh Mist from 7th HeavenAs a child, I had a 45 rpm record with this song, which has a humorous ending. A woman asks a soldier if he will marry her and he keeps replying that he can’t marry “such a pretty girl as you, when I have no shoes to put on?” and “when I have no coat to wear?” She hurriedly buys him new shoes and a new coat, then asks again if he will marry her. He replies, “How can I marry such a pretty girl as you, when I have a wife at home?”
  • Charmian Pearson from NswMy mum took me to a Cafe in the 50s where they had on each table a little music machine like a jukebox. She played it and I'd sing along. I'm 74 now and still remember it as a happy time in my childhood.
  • AnonymousWho is the original composer of this song?
  • Ian from BristolI'm not familiar with this tune, and the lyrics which I know were popularised by the BBC in the 1950s
    The earliest reference is to 1903.
    It sounds a bit Walter de la Mare-ish. Does anyone know who wrote the BBC version, please?
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Matt Sorum

Matt SorumSongwriter Interviews

When he joined Guns N' Roses in 1990, Matt helped them craft an orchestral sound; his mezzo fortes and pianissimos are all over "November Rain."

Classic Metal

Classic MetalFact or Fiction

Ozzy, Guns N' Roses, Judas Priest and even Michael Bolton show up in this Classic Metal quiz.

Does Jimmy Page Worship The Devil? A Look at Satanism in Rock

Does Jimmy Page Worship The Devil? A Look at Satanism in RockSong Writing

We ring the Hell's Bells to see what songs and rockers are sincere in their Satanism, and how much of it is an act.

Kiss

KissFact or Fiction

Kiss is the subject of many outlandish rumors - some of which happen to be true. See if you can spot the fakes.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."