It's more of a song than a story, called "Step it out Mary."
Suitor: I have come to woo your daughter, Mary of the golden hair, I have silver and I have gold, of such there is no compare, I will buy her silks and satins, and a golden ring for her hand, She'll be mistress of the mansion, and give orders to the man.
Daughter: I don't want your gold and silver, nor your house and all your land, For I have a soldier's promise, and I've pledged to him my hand.
Father: You will do as you are ordered, daughter, and obey my will, You will wear the bridal garments on Sunday, and you'll wed. Step it out, Mary, my bonny young girl, Step it out, Mary, if you can, Step it out, Mary, my bonny young girl, And show your legs to the country man.
In the deep waters of Kilgory valley, at midnight on her wedding day, She sank along with the soldier. From the cottage music could be heard, and her father could be heard saying: "Step it out, Mary, my bonny girl, Sunday is your wedding day."
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It's an Irish folk song. Also, the Irish folk song that inspired "Johnny Got His Gun," "Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ye," leaves a bad aftertaste, though not quite as bad as the movie. Though there is a glimmer of salvation.
Where are your eyes that were so gentle, The eyes that captured my heart? Why did you leave me and our child behind? You were nearly killed by the enemy. Oh, my love, you look hideous. Johnny, I didn't recognize you. Where are your running legs? You must have had them the day you went off carrying a gun. Even though there were days we danced together, You have neither arms nor legs now, Like an egg with no arms and no bones. From now on, you have no choice but to beg with a bowl in your arms. But I'm glad to see you back. I am happy that you've come home, Because those who return from Ceylon Are far more often bones than men of flesh.
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