I’m A Rover

Trad

I’m a rover, seldom sober
I’m a rover of high degree
It’s when I’m drinkin’
I’m always thinkin’
How to gain my love’s company

Though the night be as dark as dungeon
Not a star can be seen above
I will be guided without a stumble
Into the arms of my own true love

I’m a rover, seldom sober
I’m a rover of high degree
It’s when I’m drinkin’
I’m always thinkin’
How to gain my love’s company

He stepped up to her bedroom window
Kneeling gently upon a stone
He whispers through her bedroom window
My darling dear do you lie alone

I’m a rover, seldom sober
I’m a rover of high degree
It’s when I’m drinkin’
I’m always thinkin’
How to gain my love’s company

It’s only me your own true lover
Open the door and let me in
For I have come on a long nights journey
And I’m near drenched to the skin

I’m a rover, seldom sober
I’m a rover of high degree
It’s when I’m drinkin’
I’m always thinkin’
How to gain my love’s company

She opened the door with the greatest pleasure
She opened the door and she let him in
They both shook hands and embraced each other
Until the morning they lay as one

I’m a rover, seldom sober
I’m a rover of high degree
It’s when I’m drinkin’
I’m always thinkin’
How to gain my love’s company

Says I: My love I must go and leave you
To climb the hills they are far above
But I will climb with the greatest pleasure
Since I’ve been in the arms of my love

I’m a rover, seldom sober
I’m a rover of high degree
It’s when I’m drinkin’
I’m always thinkin’
How to gain my love’s company

This is a Scottish ballad popular in Ireland. It tells the simple story of a young girl and her ploughman lover. Similar to the Night Visiting Song.