[Verse 1]
You rambling boys of pleasure, give ear unto these lines I write
Although I am a rover, in rambling I take great delight
I cast my mind on a handsome girl, and often times she does me slight
My mind is never easy, except when my true love is in my sight
Down by yon flowery gardens, where me and my true love do meet
I took her in my arms, and unto her gave kisses sweet
She bade me take love easy, just as the leaves fall from the tree
But I being young and foolish, with my own true love I did not agree

[Verse 2]
And the second time I met my love, I thought that her heart was surely mine
But as the season changes, my darling girl has changed her mind
Gold is the root of evil, although it bears a glistening hue
Causes many the lad and lass to part, though their hearts like mine be e'er so true
And I wish I was in Belfast town, and my true love along with me
And money in my pocket, to keep us in good company
Liquor to be plenty, a flowing glass on every side
Hard fortune would ne'er daunt me, for I am young and the world is wide