The Rambler from Clare

The first of my journeys is very well known;
I straight took my way to the County Tyrone,
Where the young men and maidens they used me well there,
And they call me the stranger and the Rambler from Clare.

'Twas there I enlisted in the town call the Moy;
But with so many masters I could not comply;
I deserted next morning - the truth I declare -
And for Limerick city starts the Rambler from Clare.

Then like a deserter, while myself I concealed,
I was taken and brought to the town of Rathkeale;
Then of to headquarters I was forced to repair:
'Twas - "Bind him, confine him; he's the Rambler from Clare!"

'Twas then the United Men marched to the town;
They attacked and they conquered with fame and renown;
The jail they broke open and rescued me there,
And they made full commander of the Rambler from Clare.

So now that I'm titled a United Man,
No more I can stay in my own native land;
And off to America I must repair,
And leave all the friends of the Rambler from Clare.

Farewell to my comrades wherever you be,
And likewise my sweetheart young Sally Magee;
Our sails they are spread and the wind it blows fair: -
"He's gone - God be with him - he's the Rambler from Clare."