Cat. #0354 (MFH #542) - As sung by Allie Long Parker, Eureka Springs, Arkansas on June 3, 1959
VERSE 1
I am a reckless rambling boy
To many and many, I bid farewell
To Columbus City, I bore my way
To spend my money at th balls and play
VERSE 2
On th way, I married me a wife
I loved her dearer than I loved my life
To dress her in her silk, so gay
She caused me to rob on th roadside way
VERSE 3
I robbed them on Saint James Square
I robbed them all and I'll declare
I robbed them of ten thousand pounds
One night while I was a ramblin' around
VERSE 4
Two well loaded guns, for to bear my way
Two pretty bright swords and a pistol too
And a neat young lady, for to wear th bows
Of her pink silk ribbons and her silver and gold
VERSE 5
I bought me a ticket for Jamesville town
I got on and I set down
O, th wheels did roll and th whistle did blow
In about five days, I landed home
VERSE 6
Now, I'm caught, condemmed to die
And many, a many pretty girl will cry
But th tears I'll grieve won't set me free
Nor save me from th gallows tree
VERSE 7
My Mother says, she's left alone
My sister says, she'll weep and moan
My true love sets in a deep despair
With her diamond rings and her curly hair
VERSE 8
O, when I'm dead, go sing this song
O, when I'm dead, go sing for all
O, when I'm dead, go sing for joy
For this is th last of th ramblin' boy