In Newry town I was bred and born
In Stephen’s Green now I lie in scorn
I served my time to the saddling trade
But I turned out to be, but I turned out to be a roving blade
At seventeen I took a wife
I loved her dearly as I loved my life
And for to keep her both fine and gay
I went a-robbing, I went a-robbing on the King’s Highway
’Twas when my money it did grow low
Upon the highway I was forced to go
I robbed both lords and ladies bright
And brought their gold home, and brought their gold home to my heart’s delight
I never robbed any poor man yet
Nor any tradesman caused I to sweat
But I robbed lords and ladies bright
I robbed their jewels, I robbed their jewels to my heart's delight
I robbed Lord Goulding, I do declare
And Lady Mansell in Grosvenor Square
I shook the shutters and bade them good night
And home I went then, and home I went then to me heart's delight
To Covent Garden I took my way
With my dear wife for to see the play
Lord Fielding's gang they did me pursue
And I was taken, and I was taken by that cursed crew
My father cried, "Oh my darling son"
My wife, she wept and sighed, "I am undone"
My mother tore her white locks and cried
Saying in the cradle, saying in the cradle he should have died
When I am dead and in my grave
A flashy funeral pray let me have
With six bold highwaymen for to carry me
Give them the broadswords, give them the broadswords and sweet liberty
Six pretty maidens to bear my pall
Give them white garlands and ribbons all
And when I’m dead they will speak the truth
He was a wild and, he was a wild and a wicked youth