I am a daring highwayman likewise a gallant rover

From London Town I surely came since I became a rover

For a maid who proved with child for England I sailed over

I left my parents almost wild since I became a rover



How many battles I’ve been in thro’ France and Spain and Flanders

And always fought with courage bold under my brave commanders

But thro’ the usage I received no one shall ever control me

Resolved for my liberty strong walls never will hold me



Back to England’s shores I came as fast as wind could blow me

Resolved for my liberty, no one should ever control me

Back to Englands’s shores I came and found my name ‘deserted’

My parent’s heart was almost broke and I was sore afrighted



For want of money and friend then poverty come on me

For want of money and a friend it brought destruction on me

The very first man I ever robbed it was a lord of honour

The nobleman I did insult all in a roguish manner



Give me all your gold my lord and make no more denial

If you resist it is my design with powder and ball to fire

I put my pistol to his breast which made him for to shiver

Two hundred pounds in brightest gold to me he did deliver



Besides a gold repeating watch to me he did surrender

I thought I had a noble prize to be thus be-friended

With a hundred guineas in bright gold I bought a famous gelding

He could jump over the turnpike gate I bought him off Jem Sheldon



Now mounted on my gallant steed I looked bold and daring

Resolved on the road to go no man I ever did fear him

The very next man I robbed it was, it was in Covent Garden

And in two hours after well in Newgate I was fastened



I have robbed both lords and dukes of silver plate and money

All for to maintain myself and for my dearest Polly

But now in Newgate cells I lie until I am convicted

For my folly I now mercy crave for I am sore afflicted