Play recording: I’m a Rover
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- Teideal (Title): I’m a Rover.
- Uimhir Chatalóige Ollscoil Washington (University of Washington Catalogue Number): 860204.
- Uimhir Chnuasach Bhéaloideas Éireann (National Folklore of Ireland Number): none.
- Uimhir Roud (Roud Number): 179.
- Uimhir Laws (Laws Number): none.
- Uimhir Child (Child Number): 248.
- Cnuasach (Collection): Joe Heaney Collection, University of Washington, Seattle.
- Teanga na Croímhíre (Core-Item Language): English.
- Catagóir (Category): song.
- Ainm an té a thug (Name of Informant): Joe Heaney.
- Ainm an té a thóg (Name of Collector): Mary E. Johnson.
- Dáta an taifeadta (Recording Date): 10/10/1980.
- Suíomh an taifeadta (Recording Location): San Francisco, California, United States of America.
- Ocáid an taifeadta (Recording Occasion): céilí (Larry Lynch).
- Daoine eile a bhí i láthair (Others present): unavailable.
- Stádas chóipcheart an taifeadta (Recording copyright status): unavailable.
I’m a rover, seldom sober
I’m a rover of high degree
And when I’m drinking, I’m always thinking
How to gain my love’s company.
When he came to his true love’s dwelling
He knelt down upon a stone
He whispered softly through her window,
‘Does my true love lie alone?’
She lifted her head from her lily-white pillow
She lifted the sheets from off her breast
She whispered softly through her window,
‘Who is disturbing my nights rest?’
‘It’s I, it’s I, your own true lover
Open the door and let me in
For I am tired, love, likewise I’m weary
I am wet, love, unto the skin.’
I’m a rover, seldom sober
I’m a rover of a high degree
And when I’m drinking I’m always thinking
How to gain my love’s company.
She got up with the greatest of pleasure
She opened the door and she let him in
They lay all night in each other’s arms
Till the long night was past and gone.
When the long night was past and over
When the cocks began to crow
He hugged and kissed her, and then he left her
He mounted his horse and away did go.
I’m a rover, seldom sober
I’m a rover of high degree
And when I’m drinking I’m always thinking
How to gain my love’s company.