[Verse 1]
Am G Am
One fine summer's morning both gallant and gay
Am G
Twenty-four ladies went out on the quay
Am G
A regiment of soldiers that did passed them by
Am E G Am
A drummer and one of them soon caught his eye
[Verse 2]
Am G Am
He went to his comrade and to him did say
Am G
Twenty-four ladies I saw yesterday
Am G
And one of them ladies she has me heart won
Am E G Am
And if she denies me than surely I'm done
[Verse 3]
Am G Am
Go to this lady go tell her your mind
Am G
Tell her she's wounded your poor heart inside
Am G
Go tell her she's wounded your poor heart full sore
Am E G Am
And if she denies you what can she do more
[Verse 4]
Am G Am
He went up to her and he said pardon me
Am G
Pardon me lady for making so free
Am G
Oh me fine honoured lady you have me heart won
Am E G Am
And if you deny me than surely I'm done
[Verse 5]
Am G Am
Be off little drummer now what do you mean
Am G
For I'm the lords daughter from Ballykisteen
Am G
For I'm the lords daughter that's honoured you see
Am E G Am
Be off little drummer you're making too free
[Verse 6]
Am G Am
He put on his hat and he bade her farewell
Am G
Saying I'll send my soul down to heaven or hell
Am G
For with this long pistol that hangs by my side
Am E G Am
I'll put an end to my own dreary life
[Verse 7]
Am G Am
Come back little drummer and don't take it ill
Am G
For I do not want to be guilty of sin
Am G
To be guilty of innocent blood for to spill
Am E G Am
Come back little drummer I'm here at your will
[Verse 8]
Am G Am
We'll hire a coach and to Bansha we'll go
Am G
There we'll be married in spite of our foes
Am G
For what can be said when it's over and done
Am E G Am
But I fell in love with the roll of your drum