Ballad: O What Is That Sound? Jack Beeson

O what is that sound which so thrills the ear
Down in the valley drumming, drumming?
Only the scarlet soldiers, dear
The soldiers coming

O what is that light I see flashing so clear
Over the distance brightly, brightly?
Only the sun on their weapons, dear
As they step lightly

O what are they doing with all that gear
What are they doing this morning, morning?
Only their usual manoeuvres, dear
Or perhaps a warning

O why have they left the road down there
Why are they suddenly wheeling, wheeling?
Perhaps a change in their orders, dear
Why are you kneeling?

O haven't they stopped for the doctor’s care
Haven't they reined their horses, horses?
Why, they are none of them wounded, dear
None of these forces

O is it the parson they want, with white hair
Is it the parson, is it, is it?
No, they are passing his gateway, dear
Without a visit