You rambling boys of pleasure
Lend an ear unto these words I write
'Tis true I am a rover
And in rambling I take great delight
I cast my mind on a handsome girl
And often times she did me slight
But my mind was never easy
When my darlin' was in my sight

Down in yon flowery gardens
Where me and my true love do meet
I took her in my arms
And to her I gave kisses sweet
She bade me take love easy
Just as the leaves fall from yon tree
But I being young and foolish
With my own true love I could not agree

And I wish I were in America
And my true love along with me
With money to support us
And keep us in good company
And liquor there a-plenty
A flowing bowl on every side
Hard fortune ne'er daunt me
For I am young and the world is wide

You rambling boys of pleasure
Lend an ear unto these words I write
'Tis true I am a rover
And in rambling I take great delight
I cast my mind on a handsome girl
And often times she did me slight
But my mind was never easy
When my darlin' was in my sight