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Title
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Down in Covent Garden
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Singer
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Harvey, Henry [Wassail]
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Song Lyrics
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Verse 1
In Norwich Town I was bred and born,
I served my time and I died with scorn;
I served my time to the saddling trade,
And I was always counted a roving blade.
Verse 2
At seventeen I took a wife,
I loved her dearly as I loved my life;
And to maintain her both fine and gay,
A-robbing I went on the highway.
Verse 3
My money being spent and my pocket low,
On the highway I was forced to go;
I robbed both lords and ladies bright,
And brought home the gold to my heart's delight.
Verse 4
I robbed Lord Gowan, I do declare,
And Lady Mansfield of Covent Square;
I closed the shutters and bid them goodnight,
And went away to my heart's delight.
Verse 5
Down Covent Garden I took my way,
With my blooming girl to see the play;
Till Fielding's Gang did me pursue,
And taken was I by that cursed crew.
Verse 6
My father said, 'I am undone.'
My mother cried for her darling son;
My wife she tore her golden hair -
'What shall I do in my despair?'
Verse 7
Oh, when I'm dead and brought to my grave,
A decent funeral let me have;
Let six highwaymen carry me,
Give them broadswords and their liberty.
Verse 8
Six blooming girls to bear my pall,
And give them gloves and ribbons all;
And when I'm hanged may they tell the truth -
I was a wild and a wicked youth.
