You rambling boys of pleasure
give ear unto these lines I write:
I own I am a rover,
in rambling I take great delight.
I cast my mind on a handsome girl
and oftentimes she does me slight;
My mind is never easy except
when my true love is in my sight.
Down by yon flowery gardens
where me and my true love do meet
I took her in my arms
and unto her gave kisses sweet.
She bade me take love easy
just as the leaves fall from the tree,
But I being young and foolish
with my own true love I did not agree.
And the second time I met my love,
I thought that her heart was surely mine.
But as the season changes
my darling girl has changed her mind.
Gold is the root of evil,
although it bears a glistening hue,
Causes many's the lad and the lass to part
though their hearts like mine be e'er so true.
And I wish I was in Belfast town
and my true love along with me,
And money in my pocket
to keep us in good company.
Liquor to be plenty,
a flowing glass on every side,
Hard fortune would ne'er daunt me
for I am young and the world is wide.
