(Trad)
'Twas after breakfast one fine day I left my father's cabin snug
Being crossed in love I bade goodbye with a parting kiss to all
It's then I travelled many a mile o'er high road, low road, plain and bog
And turned my back completely on the town of Donegal
I slung my budget on my back and as a tinker I did go
Resolved to banish care and see the country through and through
Hurrah, says I, For merriment! To the devil I pitched care and woe
And so began the rambles of the raking Paudeen Roe
In Derry City I played ball against the back of Walker's wall
In Enniskillen I was roused in the glorious memory
It's then I had to join the Whigs to answer some of hunger's calls
In Monaghan I learnt the law was little use to me
In Limerick I dug praties and in Cashel I turned up the hay
Through Waterford I rambled like a lord upon a tour
In the City of Cork the boys they taught me how to tip the Blarney-o
The Bandon boys and the girls from Cove beat hell for devilry
'Twas early in the month of June I cut the turf in old Macroom
I wandered into Dingle when the fair was in full bloom
Through Boyle and Ballyhannis in to Castlebar and Ballina
The Gap of Dunloe and old Raphoe looked good to Paudeen Roe
Carlow, Cullen and Clonmel, they know this rambler very well
From Mullingar I jogged the road to the town of Ballinasloe
I thrashed the corn in Mullaghbawn, my funds were low in Ballymow
But in Loughneagh my heart was gay, they welcomed Paudeen Roe
I've seen that little heaven on earth, the lakes of sweet Killarney-o
If they were colleens, I would swear not single long they'd stay
From Bantry Bay I made my way in the morning when the cocks did crow
To pad the road to Oranmore, a tired Paudeen Roe
I've many places yet to see, I only called in on my way
To ease my body of the load of news I have for you
Hurrah, says I, For merriment! Sure a drop of drink's no detriment
To a man that's on his journey, so goodbye from Paudeen Roe
(as sung by Kevin Mitchell)