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Title
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On the banks of the Sweet Dundee
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Singer
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Iles, Elijah
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Song Lyrics
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Verse 1
Twas of a farmer's daughter so beautiful I'm told,
Her parents died and left her five thousand pounds in gold;
She lived with her uncle, the cause of all her woe,
And you shall hear this maiden fair did prove his overthrow.
Verse 2
Her uncle had a ploughing boy, young Mary loved him well,
Down in her uncle's garden he tales of love did tell.
There was a wealthy squire who oft her came to see,
And still she loved her ploughboy on the banks of the Sweet Dundee.
Verse 3
As her uncle and the squire rode out one summer's day:
'Young William is in favour,' her uncle he did say.
'Indeed it's my intention to tie him to a tree,
Or else to raise a press gang on the banks of the Sweet Dundee.'
Verse 4
The press gang came to William while he was all alone,
He boldly fought for liberty, but there were six to one;
The blood did flow in torrents: 'Pray! kill me now,' said he,
'For I'd rather die than Mary on the banks of the Sweet Dundee.'
Verse 5
As Mary was a-walking lamenting for her love,
She met the wealthy squire down in her uncle's grove,
He threw his arms around her, 'Stand off, base man,' said she,
'For you've sent the only lad I loved from the banks of the Sweet Dundee.'
Verse 6
He clasped his arms around her and tried to throw her down,
Two pistols and a sword she spied beneath his morning gown;
Young Mary took the pistol and swore she would be free,
Then she did fire and shot the squire on the banks of the Sweet Dundee.
Verse 7
Her uncle overheard the noise and hastened to the ground,
'Now since you've shot the squire,' said he, 'I'll give you your death wound.'
'Stand off! Stand off!' said Mary, 'for undaunted I will be.'
She the trigger drew and her uncle slew on the banks of the Sweet Dundee.
Verse 8
The doctor he was sent for, a man of noted skill,
And then the lawyer likewise to make and sign the will;
He willed his gold to Mary who fought so manfully,
And closed his eyes no more to rise on the banks of the Sweet Dundee.
