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User Name Thread Name Subject Posted
GUEST,Julia Lyr Req: Newry Highwayman (43) Lyr Add: WILD 'PRENTICE BOY (trad. New Brunswick) 20 Dec 06


My partner Fred got a version of this from his grandfather who worked in the woods here in Maine.It's called the Wild Prentice Boy. Unfortunately the old man had emphasema so the melody was lost, but Fred made a new one which his grandmother approved and has erecorded it on our album "Looking Home".
Here are words

THE WILD 'PRENTICE BOY (Trad. New Brunswick) collected by Fred Gosbee in 1969 from his grandfather, John West, who worked in the lumber woods

My name is Edward Houlahan
I was born in Erin's sunny isle
My father bound me to a trade
And they called me a flashing blade

At sweet sixteen I took a wife
I loved her as I loved my life
To maintain her both wide and free
I took to robbing on the king's highway

I robbed Lord Darling I do declare
I robbed Lady Welsh of her golden ware
I robbed them both of their gold so bright
And carried it off to my heart's delight

I never robbed a poor man yet
Or caused a tradesman for to quit
But from the rich gave to the poor
That's what brought me to this unhappy hour

For now I am condemned to die
And many a fair maid for me will cry
But all their tears cannot pity me
For yonder stands the gallows tree

Let six bold robbers bury me
Give them broad swords and free liberty
Let six fair maidens bear my pall
Give them white robes and pink ribbons all
And when they speak let them speak the truth
"Here lies a bold and undaunted youth!"


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