The Female Drummer Boy

as sung by Eileen McGann

Anon

I'm going to be a soldier in a uniform quite new
And if they'll let me have a drum, I'll be a drummer too
To march unto the battlefield, my broadsword in my hand
To hear the cannons rattle and the music sound so grand

And the music sound so grand
And the music sound so grand
To hear the cannons rattle
And the music sound so grand

When I was a young girl at the age of sixteen
From my home I ran away to go and serve the Queen
The officer who enlisted me said "You are a fine young man.
I think you'll make a drummer, so just step this way young man"

My waist was long and slender, my fingers long and small
But very soon they taught me how to play the best of all
I played all on my kettle drum as others drummers played
I played all on my kettle drum and I'll beat the drum again

They sent up to London to guard all o'er the tower
And there I might have stayed until this very day and hour
But a young girl fell in love with me, she saw I was a maid
She went straight to my officer and my secret she betrayed

My officer has called for me to hear if this be true
And I all for to go to him with a tale already knew
Here's a pension for your reward, smiling as he said
"It's a pity we should loose you, such a drummer as you made"

So farewell to my comrades you have been kind to me
And farewell to my officer, you ne'er forgot shall be
And should the army ever have a need for any man
I'll put on my cap and feather and I'll beat the drum again