I once loved a lady, bright eyed and bonny,
a love beyond reason, to the depth of my soul.
'Til one day she came to me, said she loved me no longer
In pain beyond bearing, I ride on alone.
So drink me a drink, lads, to ladies and battles,
I'll drink you a drink, lads, to pain and dead friends.
And wine is my refuge, from torment and sorrow,
those things you find joyous, in woe sure shall end.
I once had a fair friend, a sweet friend and merry,
skilled with his weapons, and quick with a jest.
One fine summer's evening, 'neath the far walls of Acre,
he died on a spear point, that was meant for my breast.
So drink me a drink, lads, to ladies and battles,
I'll drink you a drink, lads, to pain and dead friends.
And wine is my refuge, from torment and sorrow,
those things you find joyous, in woe sure shall end.
(NOT ALWAYS SUNG) My Lord lives in Scotland, my brother in England,
and feelings between them, run hot as a fire.
Once met in a tourney, and honor it fled them,
now all that is left me, is their funeral pyre.
(NOT ALWAYS SUNG) I once was a farmer, a grower of saffron,
my old family holdings, twixt two castles lay.
But war changes all things, my life's no exception,
the killing of men is my job to this day.
Three things seeks a soldier, a true bonny lady,
a battle with honor, and a sweet cup of wine.
But you'll find that in solace, the two are unsteady,
the third that is drink, lads, brings peace every time!
So drink me a drink, lads, to ladies and battles,
I'll drink you a drink, lads, to pain and dead friends.
And wine is my refuge, from torment and sorrow
those things you find joyous, in woe sure shall end.
So I'll drink you a drink, lads!