“The Newry Highwayman” is a traditional Irish or British folk song about a criminal’s life, deeds, and death. It is also found in Ireland, the USA and Canada with titles such as “Rambling Boy” and “Rude And Rambling Man“.
Botanic Gardens, Belfast, June 19th, 1998: Six songs in, a brilliant cover of The Newry Highwayman
- Bob Dylan has occasionally performed the song live as “Newry Highwayman” or “Roving Blade”
Song İnfo wikipedia :
LYRICS
In Newry town, where I was bred and born, Stephen's Green now I lie in scorn. I served my time there to the saddlers' trade, And I always was a roving blade. At seventeen I took a wife, And I loved her dearer than I loved my life; And for to keep her both neat and gay, I went a-robbing on the King's highway. I never robbed any poor man yet, Nor any tradesman did I beset;*) But I robbed lords and their ladies fair, And brought their jewels to my heart's delight. To Covent Garden I made my way, With my dear wife for to see the play; Lord Fielding's men did me pursue, And taken was I by the cursed crew. My father cried, "My darling son." My wife she cried, "I am undone." My mother tore her white locks and cried that in the cradle I should have died. When I am dead and in my grave A flashy funeral pray let me have; Six highwaymen for to carry me. Give them broadswords and sweet liberty. Six pretty fair maids to bear my Pall, Give them white garlands and ribbons all.*) And when I'm dead they will speak the truth, He was a wild and a wicked youth.
Dylan sings something else here
Additional fourth verse:
I robbed Lord Golding I do declare,
And Lady Mansel, in Grosvenor Square;
I shut the shutters and bad them good night.
And home I went then to my heart’s delight.
