The Newry Highwayman

In Newry Town I was bred and born In Stephen's Green, now I die in scorn I spent my time in 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 -- went a robbing on the King's Highway.

I never robbed any poor man yet Nor any tradesman did I beset But I've robbed lords and ladies bright And took their gold home -- took their gold home to my heart's delight.

I robbed Lord Golding I do declare And Lady Mansfield in Grosvenor Square I shut the shutters and bade them goodnight And took their gold home -- took their gold home to my heart's delight.

To Covent Garden I made my way With my dear wife for to see the play Lord Fielding's men they did me pursue And I was taken -- I was taken by the 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 "Twas in the cradle -- twas in the cradle he should have died."

And when I'm dead and in my grave A fancy funeral pray let me have With six bold highwaymen to carry me Give them good broadswords Give them broadswords and liberty.

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