This tune was composed by Spencer the Rover.
As valiant a man as ever left home.
And he had been much reduced,
Which caused great confusion.
And that was the reason he started to roam.
In Yorkshire near Rotherham, he had been on the ramble.
Weary of traveling, he sat down to rest.
By the foot of yon' mountain,
Lays a clear flowing fountain.
With bread and cold water he himself did refresh.
With the night fast approaching, to the woods he resorted.
With woodbine and ivy, his bed for to make.
But he dreamt about sighing,
Lamenting and crying.
Go home to your family and rambling forsake.
'Twas the fifth day of November, I've reason to remember.
When first he arrived home to his family and friends.
And they did stand so astounded
Surprised and dumbfounded;
To see such a stranger once more in their sight.
And his children come around him with their prittle prattling stories.
With their prittle prattling stories to drive care away.
And he's as happy as those,
As have thousands of riches.
Contented he'll remain and not ramble away.
This tune was composed by Spencer the Rover,
As valiant a man as ever left home.
And he had been much reduced,
Which caused great confusion.
And that was the reason he started to roam.