Fairport Convention Follow

As I roved out one summer's day, for profit and for pleasure
I planned to rob the London coach and take it at my leisure

A brace of pistols duly primed, and a saber fit to shave on
I waited underneath the trees that lined the banks of Avon

I didn't hear a dainty step 'til she appeared before me
A face to charm a singing bird, her words she did implore me:

“Can you help me, sir?” she said, “I fear the time is near on
For me to cross before the tide swells the banks of Avon”

All ye roving fellows, listen while you can
Of the time that I became the Naked Highwayman

All ye roving fellows, listen while you can
Of the time that I became the Naked Highwayman

So gallantly I did dismount and walked into the water
As she told me that she was a wealthy merchant's daughter

So I thought I'd try my luck and do my best to charm her
Said I was the only son of a country farmer

“Your hands they are as smooth as silk, they've never touched a plow, sir,
And I suppose these pistols help the milking of your cows?”

She looked at me with mocking eyes, as coal-black as a raven's,
And then she fell into my arms along the banks of Avon

All ye roving fellows, listen while you can
Of the time that I became the Naked Highwayman

All ye roving fellows, listen while you can
Of the time that I became the Naked Highwayman

(Instrumental break)

By honeyed lips I was beguiled and led right to the slaughter
Eventually I fell asleep in the arms of the merchant's daughter

When I awoke I was alone, my clothes and pistols taken
With just some leaves to hide my shame beside the banks of Avon

In vain I tried to catch a glimpse of the city spires
Running like a rabbit through the bushes and the fires

Then I heard the London coach and I was all a-shiver;
A lady's voice was calling out, “Stand to and deliver!”

All ye roving fellows, listen while you can
Of the time that I became the Naked Highwayman

All ye roving fellows, listen while you can
Of the time that I became the Naked Highwayman

“Your money or your life I'll have, It's all the same to me;
It's hanging for deceit or murder In the first degree”

She stood there in my overcoat, brandishing my pistol,
And relieved the London coach of the gold of Bristol

And then she mounted on my horse and rode into the distance,
And I went naked to the coach begging for assistance

No more I'll play the highwayman, no more I'll put the mask on
I'll leave it to the bright-eyed girl who roams the banks of Avon

All ye roving fellows, listen while you can
Of the time that I became the Naked Highwayman

As I roved out one summer's day, for profit and for pleasure
I planned to rob the London coach and take it at my leisure

A brace of pistols duly primed and a saber fit to shave on
I waited underneath the trees that lined the banks of Avon