This tune was composed
By Spencer the rover
As valiant a man
As ever left home
And he'd been much abused
And caused great confusion
And that was the reason
He started to roam
`Tween Yorkshire and Rotterdam
He's been on the ramble
Weary of traveling
He sat down to rest
By the foot of yon mountain
Lies a clear flowing fountain
With bread and fresh water
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 of outside
Lamenting and crying
Go home to your family
And rambling forsake
T'was the fifth of November
A day to remember
When first he came home
To his family and friends
They did stand so astounded
Surprised and dumbfounded
To see such a stranger
Again in their sight
His children gathered `round him
With their prittle-prattling stories
With their prittle-prattling stories
To drive care away
Now he's happy as those
With a thousand riches
Content 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'd been much reduced
And caused great confusion
And that was the reason
He started to roam

Traditional, arranged by Vance Gilbert/Disismye Music, ASCAP