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COME ALL YOU YOUNG ROVING BOYS (WILD ROVERS) Sung by: Mr. and Mrs. Berry Sutterfield Recorded in Marshall, AR 8/1/63 Click here to listen to the original recording While I relate my sadness to you. I’m a man of experience, your favors to gain. Oh, when you start out, boys, if you want to be smart, Don’t place your affections on a smiling sweetheart. They’re dancing before you, your favors to gain. Oh, turn your back upon them, boys, With a scornful disdain. For when you are single, you can go where you please. You can roam this world over; you’re always at ease, But when you are married, boys, You’re done with this life. You’re done with sweet comfort, sweet comfort of life. You’re lying in leisure, boys, to comfort your wives. Perhaps you’d be traveling a lonesome highway And meet some blooming fair maid, Her cheeks like fair roses, And her sparkling blue eyes. Great heavens, what a doom, boys, Would in your breast rise. Fill up the old glasses, we’ll drink all around. It’s luck to the married; I wish them success. The same to all single boys. I wish them no less. (Mr. Sutterfield: “I learnt that from Bass Gains.” Dr. Wolf: “Who’s he?” Mr. Sutterfield: “Bass Gains.” Dr. Wolf: “Where’s he live?” Mr. Sutterfield: “He lived at that time in Stone County. Last time I knowed anything about him . . .” Dr. Wolf: “James, did you say?” Mr. Sutterfield: “Gains. Last time I knowed anything about him, he lived at Sand Springs, Oklahoma.”) Also found in Randolph, Vol. IV, #673, “Wild Rovers.” |
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All Songs Recorded by John Quincy Wolf, Jr., unless otherwise noted The John Quincy Wolf Folklore Collection Lyon College, Batesville, Arkansas Back to the Song Index Back to the Wolf Collection Homepage ©Copyright 2002 Lyon College |