Version 1 As I was going over the far famed Kerry mountains I met with Captain Farrell and his money he was counting I first produced my pistol, and I then produced my rapier Said stand and deliver, for he were a bold deceiver
(Chorus) Musha ring dumma do damma da Weeped for my daddy 'ol Weeped for my daddy 'ol There's whiskey in the jar
I counted out his money, and it made a pretty penny I put it in me pocket and I took it home to Jenny She sighed and she swore that she never would deceive me but the devil take the women, for they never can be easy
(Chorus)
I went into my chamber, all for to take a slumber I dreamt of gold and jewels and for sure it was no wonder But Jenny drew me charges and she filled them up with water Then sent for Captain Farrell to be ready for the slaughter
(Chorus)
It was early in the morning, just before I rose to travel Up comes a pack of footmen and likewise Captain Farrell I first produced my pistol, for she stole away my rapier But I couldn't shoot the water so a prisoner I was taken
(Chorus)
Now some men take delight in the drinking and the roving And others take delight in the hurley and the bowling But I take delight in the juice of the barley, And courting pretty fair maids in the morning bright and early
(Chorus)
If anyone can aid me, tis my brother in the army If I can find his station, in Cork or in Killarney And if he'll go with me, we'll go roving near Kilkenny And I sure he'd treat me better than my own lass sporting Jenny
(Chorus)
[edit] Another version I have been a rover I have been a bold deceiver Chose to earn my living with my pistols and my rapier I don't know what I've stolen But would make a pretty penny I lost it all to my darling sporting Jenny
I robbed Col. Farrell up on Killgara Mounatain I took the gold to Jenny just to help me with the countin' But Jenny called the guards Lord I never saw so many I almost lost my freedom and me darling sporting Jenny
I'd like to find me brother he's the one that's in the army Don't know where he's stationed Be it Cork or in Killarney Together we'd go roving o'er the mountains of Killkenny Swear he'd treat me fairer than me darling sportin' Jenny
'Twas early in the morning at the barracks of Killarney My brother took his leave But he didn't ask the army Our horses they were speeding, 'tis all over but the shoutin' Now we wait for Farrell up on Killgara Mounatain.