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 Kilrea!

I love the rose of Kilrea and one of these days I'll dance her away
She's stolen me heart, and never I'll part with Kitty the rose of Kilrea

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 chasin' her and it's time I made me play
When I get bold I will propose to Kitty of Kilrea

I love the rose of Kilrea and one of these days I'll dance her away
She's stolen me heart, and never I'll part with Kitty the rose of Kilrea

In Belfast city I know a lass with money and with class
She says she's waiting to marry me but I know it wouldn't last
I told her nice and gently that me heart would never stray
From the rose of county Derry and me Kitty of Kilrea

I love the rose of Kilrea and one of these days I'll dance her away
She's stolen me heart, and never I'll part with Kitty the rose of Kilrea

Now that we are married we have children on our knee
A girl just like her mummy and a boy that looks like me
And when I hold her in me arms me heart still thumps away
The king can have his riches, I've got Kitty of Kilrea
I love the rose of Kilrea and one of these days I'll dance her away
She's stolen me heart, and never I'll part with Kitty the rose of Kilrea
I love the rose of Kilrea and one of these days I'll dance her away
She's stolen me heart, and never I'll part with Kitty the rose of Kilrea