I am a reckless rambling boy To many and many, I bid farewell To Columbus City, I bore my way To spend my money at th balls and play
On th way, I married me a wife I loved her dearer than I loved my life To dress her in her silk, so gay She caused me to rob on th roadside way
I robbed them on Saint James Square I robbed them all and I'll declare I robbed them of ten thousand pounds One night while I was a ramblin' around
Two well loaded guns, for to bear my way Two pretty bright swords and a pistol too And a neat young lady, for to wear th bows Of her pink silk ribbons and her silver and gold
I bought me a ticket for Jamesville town I got on and I set down O, th wheels did roll and th whistle did blow In about five days, I landed home
Now, I'm caught, condemmed to die And many, a many pretty girl will cry But th tears I'll grieve won't set me free Nor save me from th gallows tree
My Mother says, she's left alone My sister says, she'll weep and moan My true love sets in a deep despair With her diamond rings and her curly hair
O, when I'm dead, go sing this song O, when I'm dead, go sing for all O, when I'm dead, go sing for joy For this is th last of th ramblin' boy.