The Old Mans Lament Lyrics

The Old Mans Lament lyrics

On a bright summer's evening I chanced to go roving 
Down by the clear river
I rollicked along. 
I heard an old man making sad lamentation; 
He was
rocking the cradle and the child not his own. 

cho: Hi ho, hi ho, my
laddie lie aisy 
For perhaps your own daddy might never be known. 
I'm
sitting and sighing and rocking the cradle, 
And nursin' the baby that's
none of my own. 

When first that I married your inconstant mother 
I
thought myself lucky to be blessed with a wife. 
But for my misfortune, sure
I was mistaken 
She's proved both a curse and a plague on my life.


She goes out every night to a ball or a party 
And leaves me here
rockin' he cradle alone. 
The innocent laddie he calls me his daddy 
But
little he knows that he's none of my own. 

Now come all ye young men
that's inclined to get married 
Take my advice and let the women alone.

For by the Lord Harry, if ever you marry 
They'll leave you with a baby
that's none of your own. 
(or "and swear it's your own".)