I’ve always been a rover and I’ve never had a care I’ve courted every lass I’ve met from Antrim down to Clare I’ve never felt the pain of love ‘till cupid came one day Now every thought I’ve had is on Kitty of Kilray!
Refrain: I love the rose of Kilray, and one of these days I’ll dance her away She’s stolen my heart, and never I’ll part with Kitty the rose of Kilray
Her hair is long and golden and her eyes are emerald green She’s well put together from head to toe she’s every young man’s dream All of the boys are chasing her and it’s time I made me play When I get bold I will propose to Kitty the rose of Kilray
Refrain
In Belfast city I know a lass with money and with class She asked if she could marry me but I know it wouldn’t last I told her nice and gently that my heart would never stray From the rose of county Derry and my Kitty of Kilray
Refrain
Now that we are married we have children on our knee A girl just like her mother and a boy that looks like me And when I hold her in my arms my heart still thumps away The king can have his riches, I’ve got Kitty of Kilray