This tune was composed by Spencer the Rover As valliant a man had ever left home Well he had been much reduced and caused great confusion, And that was the reason he started to roam
In Yorkshire, near Rotherham, he had been on the ramble And weary of travelling, he had sat down to rest By the foot of yon mountain by a clear, crystal fountain With bread and cold water he himself did refresh
When the night fast approaching to the woods he resorted With woodbine and ivy his bed for to make But he dreamt about sighing lamenting and crying Go home to your family and rambling forsake
'Twas the fifth day of November, I have reason to remember When first he arrived home to his family and his friends They did stand so astounded, confused and dumbfounded To see such a stranger once more in their sight
His children came around him with their verses and stories Their verses and stories to drive care away Well he's as happy as those who have thousands of riches Contented he'll remain and not ramble away
This tune was composed by Spencer the Rover As valliant a man had ever left home Well he had been much reduced and caused great confusion, And that was the reason he started to roam