As I roved out one morning All in the blooming spring I overheard a damsel Most grievously sing - Saying cruel were my parents Who did me sore annoy They would not let me tarry with my bonny Irish boy
His hair is like the chestnut brown, His eyes as black as sloes; He is meek in his behaviour Wherever that he goes He is well-sized, both neat and wise, Like a maiden's chastity. If I had my will I would be still In my love's company.
If I had all the riches now That great men have in store, 'Tis freely I'd bestow them On the man that I adore; His beauty so entangled me I never can deny. In the arms of my labouring boy I mean to live and die.