Rambling No More

(Traditional)

This is an old song that was sung in many parts of Placentia Bay. It was sung in Merasheen by Bill Fulford and sung with such gusto, as only Bill could muster. Rambling no more was a very appropriate song for Bill who, on many occasions and along with many more of us, “stayed up 'til midnight and made the town roar”.
Sung here by Bill’s son, Donatus Fulford of Merasheen.

My father he died, left me a noble estate,
Then I married Moll Wells for her fortune was great,
But in drinking and gambling, I spent all my store,
I’ll be a good boy, I’ll go rambling no more.

There was Anthony Rogers, Joe Hayden and I,
And 25 others belonged to one gang,
We would stay up ‘til midnight and make the town roar,
I’ll be a good boy, I’ll go rambling no more.

Soon we were taken, to the jail we were sent,
With the stone walls around me, to my heart’s content,
Among rogues and pickpockets, I lay on the floor,
I’ll be a good boy, I’ll go rambling no more.

I was glad of cold water instead of strong rum,
I was glad of a stone to lay my head on,
I was glad of the clothes that lay on the floor,
I’ll be a good boy, I’ll go rambling no more.

The jail being broke open, I made my escape,
Over stonewalls and valleys for my Molly’s sake,
Once I got my liberty as I had before,
I’ll be a good boy, I’ll go rambling no more.

I will go home to Molly, my dear loving wife,
I’ll protect my dear children the rest of my life,
Here’s a curse on the man turns his wife outta doors,
I’ll be a good boy, I’ll go rambling no more.