You may talk about your Lancers or your Irish Fusiliers
The Aberdeen Militia or the Dublin Volunteers
Or any other regiment that's lying far awa'
But give to me the tartan of the gallant forty-twa

Chorus:
Strolling through the green fields on a summer day
Watching all the country girls forking up the hay
I really was delighted when he stole my heart awa'
But he left me for the tartan of the gallant forty-twa

Oh, I never will forget the day his regiment marched past
The pipes they played a lively tune, but my heart was aghast
He turned and smiled farewell to me and then from far awa'
I heard the drums and pibroch of the gallant forty-twa

Chorus

Once again I heard the music of the pibroch from afar
The tramp, tramp, tramp of weary men returning from the war
And as they nearer drew I brushed a woeful tear awa'
For me and my braw laddie of the gallant forty-twa

Chorus