Jolly Jack the Rover.
Here I am one, and still will be,
Who spend their days in pleasure,
The tailor’s bill is seldom fill’d,
For he’s never took my measure.
Chorus.—It must be while I do live,
And I must not give over,
Until old age doth me engage,
From being a jolly rover.
It’s on my vamps, I take my tramps,
My shoes being in a bad order,
My stockings down into the groun,
For I seldom wears a garter.
It must be, &c.
If I would dress up in fine clothes,
The ladies would adore me,
The fops of beaux that wear fine clothes,
They think to go before me,
It must be, &c.
It’s I can play at cards and dice,
Let me be drunk or sober,
Win or lose, I’ll have my dues,
For I’m Jolly Jack the Rover.
It must be, &c.
Three tons of wool through a comb I pul
All in the neatest order,
As white as milk and soft as silk,
To please the farmer’s daughter.
It must be, &c.
When my work’s done and finish’d off,
I’ll take it to the owner,
I have no doubt that she’s found out,
That I’m Jolly Jack the Rover.
It must be, &c,
When I am old, if I have gold,
I’ll set down by my table,
With you my dear, I’ll toast good beer
And drink while I am able.
It must be, &c.
When I am dead, and in my grave,
It’s then I must give over,
Let each jolly lass fill a parting glass,
And drink a health to Jack the Rover.
It must be, &c.