Johnny was born in the mansion

Down in the county of Clare

Rosie was born by the 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.



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.



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.



--- Instrumental ---



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:



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.



You'll be proud to be married to Rosie

Who was reared on the roads of Kildare...