I hear the sound of distant drums,
Far away, far away.
And if they call for me to come,
Then I must go, and you must stay.
So, Mary, marry me, let's not wait.
Love me now, for now is all the time there may be.
If you love me, Mary, Mary, marry me.
I hear the sound of bugles blowing,
Far away, far away.
And if they call, then I must go
Across the sea, so wild and gray.
So, Mary, marry me, let's not wait,
Or the distant drums might change our wedding day.
Love me now, for now is all the time there may be.
If you love me, Mary, Mary, marry me.