In Newry Town I was bred and born
In Stephen's Green, now I die in scorn
I spent my time in the saddling trade
But I turned out to be
But I turned out to be a roving blade.
At Seventeen I took a wife
I loved her dearly as I loved my life
And for to keep her both fine and gay
I went a robbing -- went a robbing on the King's Highway.
I never robbed any poor man yet
Nor any tradesman did I beset
But I've robbed lords and ladies bright
And took their gold home -- took their gold home to my heart's delight.
I robbed Lord Golding I do declare
And Lady Mansfield in Grosvenor Square
I shut the shutters and bade them goodnight
And took their gold home -- took their gold home to my heart's delight.
To Covent Garden I made my way
With my dear wife for to see the play
Lord Fielding's men they did me pursue
And I was taken -- I was taken by the cursed crew.
My father cried "oh my darling son" My wife she wept and said "I am undone." My mother tore her white locks and cried "Twas in the cradle -- twas in the cradle he should have died."
And when I'm dead and in my grave
A fancy funeral pray let me have
With six bold highwaymen to carry me
Give them good broadswords
Give them broadswords and liberty.
Six pretty maidens to bear my pall
Give them white dresses and garlands all
And when I'm dead they will speak the truth
He was a wild and -- he was a wild and a wicked youth.