I've always been a rover and I've never had a care
I've courted every lass I've met from Antrim down to 
Clare
I've never felt the pain of love ‘till cupid came one 
day
Now every thought I've had is on Kitty of Kilray!

Refrain:
I love the rose of Kilray, and one of these days I'll 
dance her away
She's stolen my heart, and never I'll part with Kitty 
the rose of Kilray

Her hair is long and golden and her eyes are emerald 
green
She's well put together from head to toe she's every 
young man's dream
All of the boys are chasing her and it's time I made me 
play
When I get bold I will propose to Kitty the rose of 
Kilray

Refrain

In Belfast city I know a lass with money and with class
She asked if she could marry me but I know it wouldn't 
last
I told her nice and gently that my heart would never 
stray
From the rose of county Derry and my Kitty of Kilray

Refrain

Now that we are married we have children on our knee
A girl just like her mother and a boy that looks like 
me
And when I hold her in my arms my heart still thumps 
away
The king can have his riches, I've got Kitty of Kilray

Refrain