[Intro]
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[Verse 1]
GDG
It's of a Gentleman Soldier as a sentry he did stand
DG
He saluted a fair maiden by a waving of his hand
DGD
So then he boldly kissed her and he passed it off as a joke
GDG
He drilled her up in the sentry box wrapped up in a soldier's cloak
[Chorus]
GDGD
And the drums are going a rat a tat, tat and the fifes they loudly play
GEmDG
Fare you well Polly my dear, I must be going away
[Verse 2]
GDG
All night they tossed and tumbled till the morning did appear
DG
The soldier rose, put on his clothes, and said farewell my dear
DGD
For the drums are loudly beating and the fifes they sweetly play
GDG
If it weren't for that, Polly my dear, with you I'd gladly stay
[Chorus]
GDGD
And the drums are going a rat a tat, tat and the fifes they loudly play
GEmDG
Fare you well Polly my dear, I must be going away
[Verse 3]
GDG
If anyone comes a courting you, you can treat them to a glass
DG
If anyone comes a courting you, you can say you're a country lass
DGD
You don't have to tell them, that you ever played this joke
GDG
That you got drilled in a sentry box wrapped up in a soldier's cloak
[Chorus]
GDGD
And the drums are going a rat a tat, tat and the fifes they loudly play
GEmDG
Fare you well Polly my dear, I must be going away
[Instrumental]
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[Verse 4]
GDG
Now come you Gentleman Soldier, won't you marry me?
DG
Oh no my dearest Polly this thing can never be
DGD
For I've a wife already and children I have three
GDG
Two wives are allowed in the army, but one's too many for me
[Chorus]
GDGD
And the drums are going a rat a tat, tat and the fifes they loudly play
GEmDG
Fare you well Polly my dear, I must be going away
[Verse 5]
GDG
Oh it's come my Gentleman Soldier, why didn't you tell me so?
DG
My parents will be angry when this they come to know
DGD
And when nine months had been and gone the poor girl she brought shame
GDG
She had a little militia boy and she didn't know his name
[Chorus]
GDGD
And the drums are going a rat a tat, tat and the fifes they loudly play
GEmDG
Fare you well Polly my dear, I must be going away
GDGD
And the drums are going a rat a tat, tat and the fifes they loudly play
GEmDG
Fare you well Polly my dear, I must be going away