The poem
My soldier boy has crossed the sea To fight the foeman; But he'll come back to make of me And honest woman. So I am singing all day long, Despite blood-shedding; For though I know he's done me wrong, We'll end by wedding.
My soldier boy is home again, So bold and scathless; But oh, my heart is numb with pain Because he's faithless. He's brought with him a French Mam'selle; They plan a marriage; Maybe I'll go - no one will know Of my miscarriage.
My soldier boy has made his choice, She'll hold him to it; I tell myself that I rejoice, May he not rue it. But oh, that starry month of May, Love-words wild spoken! I stand alone and make no moan . . . My heart is broken.