The Rambling Boys of Pleasure
Source: Where Songs Do Thunder by Paddy Tunney
Location: New Edition, page 154
You rambling boys of pleasure, give ear onto these words I write,
For I own I am a rover and in rambling I take great delight.
I have set my heart on a handsome girl, though often times she does me slight,
But my mind is never easy, only when my darling is in my sight.
Down by yon flowery garden, where me and my true love do meet,
I took her in my arms and to her I gave kisses sweet.
She bade me take life easy, just as the leaves fall from yon tree,
But I being young and foolish, with my own true love could not agree.
The second time I saw my love I vowed her heart was surely mine.
But as the weather changes, so my darling girl she changed her mind.
Gold is the root of evil, the more it wears a glistening hue
Causes many a lad and lass to part, though their hearts like mine be e’er so true.
I wish I were in America, and my true love along with me,
Money in our pockets to keep us in good company.
Liquor to be plentiful, a flowing bowl on every side,
Hard fortune ne’er would daunt us, for we are young and the world is wide.