there once was a lad who lived in the mountains ran through the valleys and played in the fountains a merry adventurer wild and free the rambling life and him did agree of love he was sworn to never acquire free from the chains of a sweetheart s desire many a woman was sorely dismayed the lively young lad they could not dissuade one morning in june while out on the water the boy caught a glimpse of the mayors own daughter in all of his travels he never had seen a sight like the lassie that stood on the green he rowed back to shore so determined to find her into the town he endeavored to spy her soon he arrived at her father s own door the home of the girl he had seen on the shore he knocked at the door and spoke to her father requesting permission to call on his daughter but the mayor refused and try as he may the lad was condemned for his rambling way he turned in dismay at a loss how to win her once all contented his heart turning bitter when who should call out from the window above but the maid he desired and wished now to love pray tell is it true that you roam through the mountains run through the valleys and play in the fountains it s long that ive wished to be wild and free for a rambler s wife i ve wanted to be with no more ado they ran off together contented to live in the hills and the heather and long was their happiness free from all strife with adventures aplenty from the rambling life