The song, recorded originally in 1987 by Brian Coll, is called "The Roads of Kildare", written by John Duggan, and here are the words:

THE ROADS OF KILDARE
(John Duggan)

Johnny was born in a mansion
down in the county of Clare
Rosie was born by a roadside
somewhere in County Kildare
destiny brought them together
on the road to Killorglan one day
in her bright tasty shawl she was singing
and she stole his young heart away

(chorus):
for she sang, "meet me tonight by the campfire
come with me over the hill.
Let us be married tomorrow
please let me whisper 'I will'
what if the neighbours are talking
who cares if your friends stop and stare
you'll be proud to be married to Rosie,
who was reared on the roads of Kildare."

Think of the parents who reared you
think of the family name
how can you marry a gypsy
oh what a terrible shame
parents and friends stop your pleading
don't worry about my affair
for I've fallen in love with a gypsy
who was reared on the roads of Kildare.
(chorus)

Johnny went down from his mansion
just as the sun had gone down
turning his back on his kinfolk
likewise his dear native town
facing the roads of old Ireland
with a gypsy he loved so sincere
when he came to the light of the campfire
these are the words he did hear
(chorus)


If you'd like a tape of this song, please send $2 to cover blank and shipping to: Bobby O'Brien, 49 McCleary Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010-2816 USA or email: kincasslagh@worldnet.att.net