The Newry Highwayman

In Newry Town I was bred and born
In Stephen's Green, now I lie in scorn
I served my time at the saddling trade
But I turned out to be, yes 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

I never robbed a poor man yet
Nor trusty tradesman caused I to fret
But I robbed lords and ladies bright
And brought their jewels home
Brought their jewels home to my heart's delight

I robbed Lord Golding I do declare
And Lady Mansfield in Grovenor Square
I shut the shutters, bade them goodnight
And home I wended, and home I wended to my heart's delight

To Covent Garden I took my way
With my dear wife for to see the play
Lord Golding's men 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 said "I am undone."
My mother tore her white locks and cried
Sayin' in the cradle
Sayin' in the cradle then he should have died

And when I'm dead and in my grave
No fancy funeral pray let me have
But six bold highwaymen to carry me
Give them good broadswords
Give them good broadswords and sweet liberty

Six pretty maidens to bear my pall
Give them white ribbons and gloves and all
And when I'm dead they shall speak the truth
He was a wild and -- he was a wild and a wicked youth