The first of my journeys it is very well known I first made my way to the County Tyrone All the young men and maidens they used me well there And they called me the stranger and the rambler from Clare It was there I enlisted in the town called Fermoy But with too many masters I could not comply I deserted one morning, the truth to declare And for Limerick city steps the rambler from Clare But while a deserter myself lay concealed I was taken and brought to the town of Rathkeale And from there to headquarters I soon did repair And now the jail is the lodgings of the rambler from Clare I took off my cap and I made a low bow In the hopes that the sergeant might pardon me now But the pardon he gave me 'twas hard and severe It was, Bind him, confine him, he's the rambler from Clare It was then the United men they came on the town They attacked and they conquered with fame and renown The jail they broke open and they rescued me there And they made full commander of the rambler from Clare But now that I'm titled a United man No more can I stay in my own native land But away to Americay I must repair And must leave all the friends of the rambler from Clare So farewell to my comrades where'er you may be Likewise to my sweetheart sweet Sally Magee For the sails they're all set and the wind it blows fair He's gone, God be with him, he's the rambler from Clare |
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