Henry's Songbook

        The Lancashire Lads have gone abroad
        Whatever shall we do
        Leaving many a pretty fair maid
        To cry, What shall I do

'Twas on Monday morning
As I have heard them say
Our orders came from Manchester
That we should march away

Says the mother to her daughter
What makes you think so strange
For to want to marry a Manchester Lad
The wide world o'er to range

The soldiers they are rambling boys
They have but a little pay
Can they maintain a wife and child
On eighteen pence a day

We've sweethearts enough my boys
And the girls to please our mind
But we won't forget sweet Manchester
And the girls we left behind

(as sung by Finbar and Eddie Furey)

[1976:] Learned from Gibb Todd at singing sessions in the 'Old Dyers Arms' in Coventry. The theme is a common one: the mother warning her virgin daughter of the dangers of dallying with soldiers. The Lancashire Lads were the soldiers of the Lancashire Regiment. (Notes Finbar & Eddie Furey, 'The Farewell Album')

[1977:] [The regiment,] known as 'Lascelles' in 1795, acquired the nickname, 'Wolfe's Own', after fighting at Quebec. In 1782 it became the 47th (Lancashire) Regiment, otherwise known as 'The Lancashire Lads', and is now part of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment. [...] The 47th had unusual white facings [on their lapels]. (Palmer, Soldier 146)

[2001:] "The Lancashire Lads," as performed in recent years by Old Blind Dogs, was first fitted with its tune by the Halliard [...], a trio featuring Dave Moran (vocals), Nic Jones (vocals, fiddle, guitar), and Nigel Patterson (mandolin, recorder). (Dirty Linen, review 'The Halliard : Jon Raven / The Jolly Machine', June-July)