by George Farquhar, for his play The Recruiting Officer from 1706:
Our 'prentice Tom may now refuse To wipe his scoundrel Master's Shoes, For now he's free to sing and play Over the Hills and far away.
Chorus: Over the Hills and O'er the Main, To Flanders, Portugal and Spain, The queen commands and we'll obey Over the Hills and far away.
We all shall lead more happy lives By getting rid of brats and wives That scold and bawl both night and day - Over the Hills and far away.
[Chorus]
Courage, boys, 'tis one to ten, But we return all gentlemen All gentlemen as well as they, Over the hills and far away.
by John Gay's, in The Beggar's Opera from 1728:
MacHeath: Were I laid on Greenland's coast, And in my arms embrac'd my lass; Warm amidst eternal frost, Too soon the half year's night would pass.
Chorus: And I would love you all the day. Ev'ry night would kiss and play, If with me you'd fondly stray Over the hills and far away.
Polly: Were I sold on Indian soil, Soon as the burning day was clos'd, I could mock the sultry toil When on my charmer's breast repos'd.
Duet: Were I laid on Greenland's coast, And in my arms embrac'd my lass; Warm amidst eternal frost, Too soon the half year's night would pass.
