Spencer the Rover

These words were composéd by Spencer the Rover
Who travelled Great Britain and most parts of Wales.
He had been so reducéd, which caused great confusion
And that was the reason he went on the roam.

In Yorkshire near Rotherham he had been on his rambles
Being weary of walking, he sat down to rest.
At the foot of a mountain there ran a clear fountain –
With bread and cold water he did him refresh.

And it tasted far sweeter than the gold he had wasted,
Far sweeter than honey and gave more content.
But the thoughts of his children lamenting and crying
Brought tears to his eyes which made him repent.

The night fast approaching, to the woods he resorted,
With woodbine and ivy his bed for to make.
There he dreamt about sighing, lamenting and crying,
‘Go home to your family and wand’ring forsake.’

On the Fifth of November, I’ve a reason to remember,
When first he arrivéd home to his family and wife,
They looked so supriséd when first he arrivéd,
To see such a stranger once more in their sight.

And his children they gathered round him with their prittle-prattling stories,
Their prittle-prattling stories to drive care away.
Now they’re all united like birds of one feather,
Like bees in one hive, they’re contented to stay.

Now they’re all living in a cottage most contented,
With woodbine and roses growing all around the door.
They’re as happy as those who have thousands of riches,
He’s contented to stay and go rambling no more!

-The Copper Family. Version as sung by the Watersons. Roberts and Barrand do it with equal love.