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 often times 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 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.
