I am a Rover- Henry Adams (Hamp) 1906 Gardiner
[From George Gardiner Manuscript Collection (GG/1/10/586)
R. Matteson 2017]
I am a Rover- sung by Henry Adams of Basingstoke Hampshire in September, 1906.
1. I am a rover, and that's well known,
I just a- going to leave my home;
Leaving my home and my friends to mourn,
Fare thee well, my bonny girl, till I return.
2. Oh am I single or am I free
Or am I bound to marry thee;
A married life you soon shall see,
A contented mind shows no jealousy.
3. I wish, I wish, but it's all in vain,
I wish I was a maid again;
A maid again I never shall be,
Till apples grow on the orange tree.
4. As I crossed over Broad Derry moor,
Here I lost sight of my true love's door.
My head did ache, and my eyes went blind,
Thinking of this bonny girl I left behind.