The Rambler Song

(sung to the tune of “Sweet Betsy from Pike”)

 An old rundown tavern in great disrepair,

The smell of sweet whiskey, it hangs in the air,

And I’ve been a traveling a fortnight or so,

I’m parched as the desert so it’s there I must go.

 

Buy me a drink and I’ll tell ye a tale,

Of lovers and pirates and ships in full sail,

And when that one’s over I’ll tell it again,

As long as you’re buying sweet whiskey or gin.

 

For I’ve been a rambler all of my life,

No family to speak of, no children no wife,

I’ve had lots of friends but none can I name,

After so many bar rooms they all look the same.

 

From border to border, I’ve traveled around,

I’ve seen all your mountains, your fields and your towns,

I’ve traveled your highways, your rivers and streams,

I know all your sadness, your needs and your dreams.

 

You’ll ask me to board with your sweet family,

Your sons and your daughters I’ll bounce on my knee,

But when you’re not looking my pockets I’ll line,

With your watches, your jewelry and your own peace of mind.

 

I’ll take all your wages in a quick game of dice,

I’ll bed your sweet daughter and ruin her life,

And when in the morning you find I am gone,

All you’ll have left are the words to this song.

 

For I’ve been a rambler all of my life,

No family to speak of, no children no wife,

I’ve had lots of friends but none can I name,

After so many bar rooms they all look the same.