James Brooks
 (1760 - 1809)

A bonny soldier's bride I'll be
 (Song)
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"A favorite ballad written by Mr. Fox. Composed by Mr Brooks and sung with great applause by Mrs Bland at Vauxhall Gardens". London, 1803.
Lyrics: Mr Fox

A roving life I dearly love,
At home I hate to be confin'd;
The purling streams and shady grove
Are not well-suited to my mind;
The coat that's red, turned up with blue,
Gives (strange to tell) more joy to me;
And therefore, without more ado,
A bonny soldier's bride I'll be.

Tho' soldiers sometimes badly fare,
And trifling ills may them attend,
They still are happy everywhere,
If they but sixpence have to spend.
And tho' they fight to gain renown,
They're always full of mirth and glee;
Then let Dame Fortune smile or frown,
A bonny soldier's bride I'll be.

When marching stately o'er the ground,
With halberds, swords and bay'nets bright,
When colours fly and drums resound,
They make a truly glorious sight.
These warlike sons are truly blest;
Go where they will, they're kind and free;
And very soon, I do protest,
A bonny soldier's bride I'll be.