Limerick Rake Songtext
von Ronnie Drew

I am a young fellow that′s easy and bold
In Castletown conyers I'm very well known
In Newcastle West I spent many a note
With Katy and Judy and Mary
Me father rebuked me for being such a rake
And spending me time in such frolicsome ways
I ne′er will forget the good nature of Jane
Fáigimíd siúd mar atá sé

If I chance for to go to the town of Rathkeale
The girls all around me do flock at the square
Some offer me Porter and others sweet cake
They treat me unknown to their parents
There's one from Askeaton and one from the Pike
And Katy from Arda me heart is beguiled
Being from the mountains her stocking are white
I'd love to be tightening her garter


To quarrel for riches I ne′er was inclined
For the greatest of misers must leave them behind
I′ll purchase a cow that will never run dry
And I'll milk her by twisting her horn
John Damer of Shronell had plenty of gold
And Devonshire′s treasures are 20 times more
Now he's laid on his back among nettles and stones
Fáigimíd siúd mar atá sé

If I chance for to go to the market of Croom
With a cock in me hat and me pipes in full tune
I′m welcome at once and brought up to a room
Where Bacchus is sporting with Venus
There's Peggy and Jane from the town of Bruree
And Biddy from Bruff and we all at the spree
Such a combing of locks as there was about me
Fáigimíd siúd mar atá sé

There′s some say I'm foolish and more say I'm wise
But being fond of the women I think it no crime
For the son of King David had ten 100 wives
And his wisdom was highly regarded
And when I′m right out and me soul is at peace
Those women will come for to cry at me wake
Their sons and their daughters will offer a prayer
To the Lord for the soul of their father