You rambling boys of pleasure

You rambling boys of pleasure

give ear unto these lines I write 

It is true that I’m a rover

and in rambling I take great delight

I pledged my mind on a handsome girl

and often times she did me slight 

But my mind was never easy 

only when my darling was in my sight.

Down in yon flowry gardens

where me and my true love did meet

I took her in my arms

and to her I gave kisses sweet

She bid me take love easy

just as the leaves fall from yon tree

But I been young and foolish

with my true love could not agree.

The second time I seen my love

I really thought her heart was mine

But as the weather alters 

my darling girl she changed her mind

Gold is the root of evil 

although it wears a glittering hue 

Has caused many the lad and lass to part

let their hearts like mine be e’er so true.

Sean O’Boyle commented “I first heard this song in 1954 from Robert Cinnamond of Aghadalgan on the shores of Lough Neagh in County Antrim. Paddy tells me that he has heard another version in North Mayo, but in this recording, he sings Robert’s song, both words and music. Students of literature will recognise in the song the source of Yeats’ Old Song Resung now better known as Down by the Sally Gardens (Herbert Hughes, Irish Country Songs). Verse two of The Rambling Boys should be compared with Yeats’:”