I once was a ploughboy, but a soldier I'm now,
I courted wee lovely Molly, as I followed the plough;
I courted wee lovely Molly, at the age of sixteen,
But now I must leave her, for to serve James, my king.
(after each verse):
Oh Molly, lovely Molly, I delight in your charms,
And there's many's the night I have lay in your arms.
But if ever I return again, it will be in the Spring
Where the mavis and the turtle dove and the nightingale sing.
You can go to the market, you can go to the fair;
You can go to the church on Sunday, and meet your love there.
But if anybody loved you as much as I do,
Then I won't stop your marriage, so
I once was a ploughboy but a soldier I'm now.
I courted wee lovely Molly as I followed the plough.
I courted wee lovely Molly at the age of sixteen,
But now I must leave her and serve James, my king.
(after each verse):
Oh Molly, lovely Molly, despite all your charms,
There is many's a night you have lay in my arms.
But if ever I'll return again it'll be in the Spring
Where the mavis and the turtle dove and the nightingale sing.
You may go to the market, you may go to the fair;
You may go to the church on Sundays and meet your new love there.
But if anybody loves you half as much as I do,
Then I won't stop your marriage; farewell, love, adieu.