[Verse 1]
It was last Monday mornin'
Oh, as I have heard them say
Our orders, they came this afternoon
We're bound to march away

[Chorus]
For the Lancashire lads have gone abroad
Whatever shall we do?
They're leaving many's a pretty fair maid
To cry, "What shall I do?"

[Verse 2]
Said the mother to the daughter
"What makes you talk so strange?
That you want to marry a soldier lad
And the whole wide world to range."

[Chorus]
Oh, the Lancashire lads have gone abroad
Whatever shall we do?
They're leaving many's a pretty fair maid
To cry, "What shall I do?"

[Verse 3]
"For the soldiers, they are rambling boys
They have but little pay
Can they maintain a wife and child
On fifteen pence a day?"
[Chorus]
Oh, the Lancashire lads have gone abroad
Whatever shall we do?
They're leaving many's a pretty fair maid
To cry, "What shall I do?"

[Verse 4]
Said the father to the daughter
"I'll have you close confined
You'll never marry a soldier lad
He'll be no son of mine."

[Chorus]
Oh, the Lancashire lads have gone abroad
Whatever shall we do?
They're leaving many's a pretty fair maid
To cry, "What shall I do?"

[Verse 5]
"Oh, if you confine me seven long years
And after set me free
I'll go and I'll follow me soldier lad
When I gain my liberty."

[Chorus]
For the Lancashire lads have gone abroad
Whatever shall we do?
They're leaving many's a pretty fair maid
To cry, "What shall I do?"
[Verse 6]
"For me true love's dressed in scarlet
And turned up with the blue
And every place that he goes in
My sweetheart is true."

[Chorus]
Oh, the Lancashire lads have gone abroad
Whatever shall we do?
They're leaving many's a pretty fair maid
To cry, "What shall I do?"

[Verse 7]
Now we've gotten sweethearts enough, brave boys
Girls to please our minds
But we'll never forget sweet Manchester
And the girls we left behind

[Chorus]
Oh, the Lancashire lads have gone abroad
Whatever shall we do?
They're leaving many's a pretty fair maid
To cry, "What shall I do?"