In Newry town I was bred and born In Stephens Green now I lie in scorn I served me time at the saddler's trade I always was a roving blade I always was a roving blade
At seventeen I took a wife I loved her dearer than I loved me life And so to keep her both fine and gay I went out robbing on the king's highway I went out robbing on the king's highway
I never robbed a poor man yet Nor lately caused anyone to fret But I robbed lords and ladies fine And I carried the gold home to me heart's delight I carried the gold home to me heart's delight
I robbed Lord Baldwin, I do declare And Lady Manswell up in Grovenors Square I closed me shutters and bade them good night And I carried the gold home to me heart's delight I carried the gold home to me heart's delight
To Covent Garden I made my way With me dear wife for to see the play The Fielding's men there did me pursue And I was taken by that cursed crew Oh I was taken by that cursed crew
My father cried, "Oh me darling son" My wife, she cried, "Now I am undone" My mother tore her gray locks and cried It's in the cradle I should have died It's in the cradle I should have died
When I am dead, I want for my grave A flashy funeral pray let me have Six highwaymen for to carry me Oh give them broadswords and sweet liberty Oh give them broadswords and sweet liberty