You rambling boys of pleasure, give ear to those few
lines I write,
Although I'm a rover, and in roving I take great
delight.
I set my mind on a handsome girl who ofttimes did me
slight,
But my mind was never easy till my darling were in my
sight.
It was down by Sally's Garden one evening late I took
my way.
'Twas there I spied this pretty little girl, and those
words to
me sure she did say She advised me to take love easy,
as the
leaves grew on the tree. But I was young and foolish,
with my
darling could not agree.
The very next time I met my love, sure I thought her
heart was mine,
But as the weather changes, my true love she changed
her mind.
Cursed gold is the root of evil, oh it shines with a
glittering hue,
Causes many the lad and lass to part, let their hearts
be ever so true.
Sure I wish I was in Dublin town, and my true love
along with me.
With money to support us and keep us in good company.
With lots of liquor plentiful, flowing bowls on every
side,
Let fortune never daunt you, my love, we're both young
and the
world is wide.
But there's one thing more that grieves me sore is to
be called a runaway
And to leave the spot I was born in, oh Cupid cannot
set me free,
And to leave that darling girl I love, oh alas, what
will I do?
Will I become a rover, sleep with the girl I never knew
?