Cat. #0544 (MFH #703) - As sung by Harrison Burnett, Fayetteville, Arkansas on August 18, 1960
VERSE 1
Come all you young rovers
Pay attention to me
While I will relate you
My sad history
I'm a man of experience
Your favor to gain
Love has been a ruin
Of a many young man
VERSE 2
When you are single boys
You are at your own ease
You can roam this world over
Go just where you please
You can roam this world over
Do just as you please
But magic is folly
You are at your own ease
VERSE 3
When you are right, boys
You are done with this life
You are done with sweet comforts
Sweet comfort on life
You'r done with sweet comforts
Sweet comfort on life
By selling your freedom
To buy you a wife
VERSE 4
Perhaps you'd be a walking
On some lonesome highway
Perhaps you would meet with
A blooming fair maid
Her cheeks like th roses
Her sparkling blue eyes
Great hea'vens in your bosom
What a tumult would rise
VERSE 5
Perhaps you'd step aside, boys
To speak to a friend
Your wife at your elbow
Saying, what does this mean
Prehaps she'd embrace you
In thinking sad news
O, boys, I will rewarn you
Such a life to refuse
VERSE 6
There is one more thing, boys
Before we do part
Never place your affections
On a smiling sweetheart
While dancing before you
Your favor to gain
O, turn your back upon them
With love and a stain
VERSE 7
Come fill up th bowl, boys
We will drink bummers rum
We'll drink a health to th married
I wish them success
Likewise unto you single boys
I would wish you no less