_Chorus._--It must be while I do live, And I must not give over, Until old age doth me engage, From being a jolly rover.
It’s on my vamps, I take my tramps, My shoes being in a bad order, My stockings down into the groun, For I seldom wears a garter. It must be, &c.
If I would dress up in fine clothes, The ladies would adore me, The fops of beaux that wear fine clothes, They think to go before me, It must be, &c.
It’s I can play at cards and dice, Let me be drunk or sober, Win or lose, I’ll have my dues, For I’m Jolly Jack the Rover. It must be, &c.
Three tons of wool through a comb I pul All in the neatest order, As white as milk and soft as silk, To please the farmer’s daughter. It must be, &c.
When my work’s done and finish’d off, I’ll take it to the owner, I have no doubt that she’s found out, That I’m Jolly Jack the Rover. It must be, &c,
When I am old, if I have gold, I’ll set down by my table, With you my dear, I’ll toast good beer And drink while I am able. It must be, &c.
When I am dead, and in my grave, It’s then I must give over, Let each jolly lass fill a parting glass, And drink a health to Jack the Rover. It must be, &c.
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Somebody’s courting somebody Somewhere or other to-night; Somebody’s whispering to somebody, Under the clear moonlight, Near the bright river’s flow, Running so still and slow; Talking so soft and low, She sits with somebody. Somebody’s courting somebody Somewhere or other to-night; Somebody’s listening to somebody Under the clear moonlight, Under the clear moonlight.
Pacing the ocean shore, Edged by the foaming roar, Words never breathed before, Sound sweet to somebody; Under the maple-tree, Deep though the shadow be, Plain enough they can see, Bright eyes has somebody. Somebody’s courting somebody Somewhere or other to-night; Somebody’s listening to somebody Under the clear moonlight, Under the clear moonlight.
No one sits up to wait, Though she is out so late, All know she’s at the gate Talking with somebody; Two sitting side by side, Float with the ebbing tide, “Thus, dearest, may we glide Through life,” says somebody. Somebody’s courting somebody Somewhere or other to-night; Somebody’s listening to somebody Under the clear moonlight, Under the clear moonlight.