The Lass Of Swansea Town
(Traditional)



It was down by Swansea barracks
one May morning I strayed
A-viewing of the soldier lads
I spied a comely maid
It was o'er her red and rosy cheeks
the tears did dingle down
I thought she was some goddess fair
the lass of Swansea town

I said, "Fair maid, what brought you here
what brought you here to mourn?"
"Oh I'm in search of Willie dear
my bonny young sailor boy
Eight years ago he left me here
for Bermuda he was bound
He said he would prove faithful to
the lass of Swansea town"

"If eight years ago he left you
it is useless for to mourn
For perhaps he is in some battle slain
or in the ocean drowned"
"Oh God forbid, young man," she said
"By what token will he be known
if he ever do return to the
lass of Swansea Town"

"On his left breast he wears a scar
where he received a wound"
"If by that token your Willie is known
it's him I know right well
The cannon-ball which made him fall
gave him his deathly wound
He told me to take care of you
the lass of Swansea town"

Soon as she heard him say these words
she fell in deep despair
Wringing of her lily-white hands
and tearing of her hair
Saying, "Take me to my Willie
else give me my death wound
For no other man will ever enjoy
the lass of Swansea town"

On coming to herself once more up
from the ground she rose
His waistcoat it blew open and
the scar it did expose
They walked till they reached his cottage
and there they settled down
Young Willie of the royal blue and
the lass of Swansea town