English Folk-Heritage
Being a Lancashire lad abroad I felt this was a song I had to record although it’s grown out of fashion in folk clubs these days. The lyrics and tune were united by the wonderful Nic Jones and his early band The Halliard and I gave it a new arrangement to make it a tad more appealing to younger folk. Every lass loves a man in uniform, and a classy uniform attracts girls the most, and it has been so for centuries. The 47th Lancashire Foot Regiment, otherwise known as 'The Lancashire Lads' was formed in 1782 and made their name in Canada with General Wolfe against the French. They were nicknamed The Cauliflowers or Wolfe’s Own because of their outstanding performance at Quebec. Their uniform was scarlet jacket with blue cuffs and unusual white facings on their lapels – they were much admired by the women of the time. The 47th Lancashire Foot is now part of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment. The lyrics and tune were united and recorded by Nic Jones and his early band The Halliard.
Lyrics
Oh it was last Monday morning, as I have heard them say
Our orders came from Manchester, we were to march away
Chorus:
Oh the Lancashire lads have gone abroad, whatever shall we do
Leaving many a pretty maid to cry what shall I do
Said a mother to her daughter, What makes you talk so strange
To want to be a soldier's wife, the wide world to range
For soldiers they are rambling boys and get but little pay
And how could they maintain a wife on fourteen pence a day?
Chorus
Said the mother to the daughter, I'll have you close confined
You'll never marry that Lancashire Lad, he'll be no son of mine
Should you confine me seven long years and after set me free
I'll search the world for my Lancashire Lad when I've gained my liberty
Chorus
My love’s clothed in scarlet and turned up with blue
And every town that he goes through, to his sweetheart he'll be true
Now we'll have money enough, my boys, and girls to please our mind
We'll never forget sweet Manchester and the girls we left behind
Chorusx 2