There was a lad in Glesga town, Ramensky was his name
Johnny didnae know it then but he was set for fame
He did a wee bit job or two, he blew them open wide
But they caught him and they tried him and they bunged him right inside
Alley-ee alley-ay alley-oo alley-oh
Open up your prison gates
And let Ramensky go
And when they let him out he said he'd do his best but then
He yielded tae temptation and they bunged him in again
Now Johnny made the headlines, entertained the boys below
When he climbed up tae the prison roof and gave a one-man show
Alley-ee alley-ay alley-oo alley-oh
Open up your prison gates
And let Ramensky go
But when the war was raging the brass-hats had a plan
Tae purloin some information, but they couldnae find a man
So they nobbled John in prison, asked if he would take a chance
Then they dropped him in a parachute beyond the coast of France
Alley-ee alley-ay alley-oo alley-oh
Open up your prison gates
And let Ramensky go
Then Johnny was a hero, they shook him by the hand
For stealing secret documents frae the German High Command
So Johnny was rewarded for the job he did sae well
They granted him a pardon frae the prison and the cell
Alley-ee alley-ay alley-oo alley-oh
Open up your prison gates
And let Ramensky go
But Johnny was in error when he tried his hand once more
For they caught him at a blastin', and it wasnae worth the score
The jury pled for mercy, but the judge's voice was heard
Ten years without remission, and that's my final word
Ten years, my lord, that's far too long, wee Johnny cried in vain
For if you send me up for ten I'll never come out again
Oh give me another chance, my lord, I'm tellin' you no lie
But if you send me up for ten I'll sicken and I'll die
Alley-ee alley-ay alley-oo alley-oh
Open up your prison gates
And let Ramensky go
Now Peterhead's a fortress, its walls are thick and stout
But it couldnae hold wee Johnny when he felt like walking out
Five times he took a powder, he left them in a fix
And every day they sweat and pray in case he makes it six
Alley-ee alley-ay alley-oo alley-oh
Open up your prison gates
And let Ramensky go