From the recording The Soldier Traveling From the North
This is an indie-folk adaptation of a traditional ballad inspired by Dillard Chandler's a cappella performance on field recordings from 1960s North Carolina (Dark Holler: Old Love Songs and Ballads). The ballad is reimagined here as an Indie-rock composition with lush and brooding instrumentation that captures the sexual longing and emotional angst between two lovers.
Lyrics
The soldier traveling from the north
As the moon shone bright and clearly
The lady knew the gentleman’s horse
Because she loved him dearly
She took his horse by the bridal reign
She led him to the stable
There’s hay and oats for your horse my love
Go feed him you are able
She took him by the lily-white hand
She led him to the table
There’s cake and wine for you, my love
Go eat and drink your welcome
Well she pulled off her blue silk gown
She laid it on the table
And he pulled off his uniform suit
And got in bed with the lady
I hear some trumpet sound and I
must go and meet it
Oh soldier dear don’t leave me here
For I am ruined forever
When silver bells in conch shells stand’s
When you and I shall marry
Oh soldier dear, don't leave me here
For I am ruined forever
Oh soldier dear, don't leave me here
For I am ruined forever