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The Rambler From Clare 
The Rambler From Clare 
The first of my courtship that ever was known, I straight took my way to the County Tyrone; Where among the pretty fair maids they used me well there And they called me the stranger, and the Rambler from Clare. 
'Twas then I enlisted in the town of Fermoy But with so many masters I could not comply, I deserted next morning, the truth I declare And for Limerick town started the Rambler from Clare. 
I then took my way to the town of Tralee Where I fell a-courting young Sally Magee I first gained her favor and then left her there So now they're in search of the Rambler from Clare. 
When like a deserter my case to bewail I was captured and taken in the town of Rathkale; Then off to headquarters I had to repair And in the Black Hole lay the Rambler from Clare. 
I took off my hat and I made a low bow, In hopes that the Colonel would pardon me now, The pardon he gave me was hard and severe 'Twas "Bind him! Confine him! He's the Rambler from Clare." 
My poor innocent mother got a woeful surprise And my loving brother his shouts reaced the skies. "Brave boys," said my father, "Your arms now prepare To bring me my darling, the Rambler from Clare." 
'Twas then we assembled in harmonious band (throng) With our guns on our shoulders, we were ten thousand strong, The firing began with our boys in the rear We broke the gaol doors and took the Rambler from Clare. 
We marched along then through the Barony of Forth Where some of our heroes lay in camp before The firing began, and I can't tell you where But our chief commander was the Rambler from Clare. 
Now that I've got the title of a United man 
I cannot stay home in my own native land So off to America I must quickly repair And leave all my friends in the sweet County Clare. 
Farewell to my comrades wherever they be Likewise to my sweetheart, young Sally Magee Our ship she is ready and the wind it blows fair He is gone, God be with him, the Rambler from Clare. 
From More Irish Street Ballads, O Lochlainn 
Note: One of the songs in Joyce's pamphlet, Irish Peasant Songs, 1912. ..It seems to be a genuine United Irishmen ballad dating from 1798. COL