In Newry town, I was bred and born
In Stephen’s Green now I die in scorn
I served my time to the saddling trade
But I turned out to be, 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, I went a robbing on the King’s Highway.

I never robbed no poor man yet
Nor any tradesman did I beset
I robbed both lords and the ladies bright
And brought their jewels, and brought their jewels for my heart’s delight.

I robbed Lord Golding, I do declare
And Lady Mansell in Grosvenor Square
I shut the shutters and bid them goodnight
And home I went then, and home I went then to my heart’s delight.

To Covent Garden I took my way
With my dear wife for to see the play
Lord Fielding’s gang, they did me pursue
And I was taken I was taken by that cursed crew.

My father cried “Oh, my darling son”
My wife she wept and cried “I am undone”
My mother tore her white locks and cried
Saying “In the cradle, in the cradle then he should have died”.

And when I’m dead, and in my grave
A flashy funeral pray let me have
With six bold highwaymen to carry me
Give them good broadswords, give them good broadswords and sweet liberty.

Six pretty maidens to bear my pall
Give them white garlands and ribbons all
And when I’m dead, they will speak the truth
He was a wild and, he was a wild and a wicked youth.