He was a young drummer, from Scotland he came
On the march from Modder River to Magersfontein
He was with the C-Force, wrapped up in his plaid
Through the rainy night with the Highland Brigade

Come laddy, come, leave behind your drum
To sound the bugle call, the battle lines are drawn
Many men may fall but it won't be in vain
We're off to take the hill at Magersfontein

Looking at the hills at the break of the day
No enemy are seen, are they hiding away?
Hills were smashed with cannon, attack now at all cost
Mausers open fire and 200 men are lost

Come laddy, come, leave behind your drum
Sound the bugle call, to rally us all
Many men will fall but it won't be in vain
For we have to take the hill at Magersfontein

Highlanders retreating, I've not seen it in my time
But a hundred of the bravest, they break the enemy line
Cut down on the hillside, surrounded and marooned
The drummer boy is captured but dies of a wound

Come laddy, come, leave behind your drum
Leave the bugle call, you've stood firm and tall
Many men have fallen but it was not in vain
We'll be back to take the hill at Magersfontein

He was just a drummer, so young and so brave
The enemy salute him and dig him a grave
Not with his comrades but never alone
They bury that boy beside their very own

Come laddy, come, leave behind your drum
We'll sound a bugle call, and wrap you in your shawl
So young you had to fall but it was not in vain
For we'll bury you near the hill at Magersfontein