Lyr Req: Johnny Is a Roving Blade

Subject: LYR. REQ. Johnny is a rovin' blade
From:
Date: 03 Jul 99 - 12:04 AM

I've picked up a verse for this, goes as follows:

What will you do when the whiskey's gone? Hey ho my Johnny What will you do when the whiskey's gone? Hey ho my Johnny-o What will you do when the whiskey's gone? Sit by the fire and drink hot rum. Johnny is a lad who likes his fun. Johnny is a rovin' blade.

Am I right in thinking there's more? I only heard it once or twice at a Ren-fest, so I may be mistaken on some of the words. I'd love to have the complete song because the tune's in my head and I can't get rid of it. Thanks in advance.

Subject: Lyr Add: JOHNNY IS A ROVING BLADE (from Clancy)
From: Wolfgang
Date: 08 Jul 99 - 03:56 AM

From the Clancy Brothers songbook:

JOHNNY IS A ROVING BLADE

What will you do when the whiskey's done?
Hey, ho, my Johnny.
What will you do when the whiskey's done?
Hey, my Johnny-O.
What will you do when the whiskey's done?
Sit by the fire and drink hot rum.
Johnny is a lad who likes his fun,
Johnny is a roving blade.

Chorus: Johnny is a roving blade, game ball,
Johnny is a roving blade
Johnny is a roving blade, game ball,
Johnny is a roving blade

What will you do in the summer time?
Hey, ho, my Johnny.
What will you do in the summer time?
My Johnny-O.
What will you do in the summer time?
Drink cold beer and blood-red wine,
When the weather is warm, it'll suit me fine.
Johnny is a roving blade.

What will you do if your true love goes?
Hey, ho, my Johnny.
What will you do if your true love goes?
My Johnny-O.
What will you do if your true love goes?
Any other flower is sweet as a rose;
Plenty more in the garden grows.
Johnny is a roving blade.

What will you do when you come to die?
Hey, ho, my Johnny.
What will you do when you come to die?
My Johnny-O.
What will you do when you come to die?
Look St. Peter in the eye
And tell him I am very dry.
Johnny is a roving blade.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: LYR. REQ. Johnny is a rovin' blade
From:
Date: 08 Jul 99 - 08:51 PM

Is it a shanty?

Subject: RE: LYR. REQ. Johnny is a rovin' blade
From:
Date: 08 Jul 99 - 10:21 PM

Never thought of it as a shanty, myself, but could see the resemblence to some shanties now it is pointed out.

I learned the chorus as:

Johnny is a drinkin'roving blade, Johnny is a roving blade Johnny is a drinkin'roving blade, Johnny is a roving blade

and I've also heard it done as "blinkin' roving" and "stinkin' roving"

MMario

Subject: RE: LYR. REQ. Johnny is a rovin' blade
From:
Date: 11 Jul 99 - 01:29 AM

Subject: RE: LYR. REQ. Johnny is a rovin' blade
From:
Date: 11 Jul 99 - 01:31 AM

Okay, first I should learn not to hit 'enter' indiscrimately. Second, thank you, thank you! I love this song and everybody at work was getting tired of just the one verse.

Shard

Subject: RE: LYR. REQ. Johnny is a rovin' blade
From: Wolfgang
Date: 14 Jul 99 - 09:42 AM

Tim, I've found no information on your question in the Clancy brother's songbook.

Wolfgang