Collected in various places and under various names, this version of 'Adieu, Adieu' was collected by Henry Hammond from Mrs Webb of King's Norton (then Worcestershire, now Birmingham). The most famous recorded version is probably the version performed by The Watersons. However, their recording reduces the number of verses considerably.
Adieu, adieu hard was my fate
I was brought up in a tender state
Bad company did me entice
I left off work and took bad advice
[Chorus]
Which makes me now to lament and say
Pity the fates of young fellows all
Willow day, willow day
At seventeen I took a wife
I loved her dear as I loved my life
To maintain her both fine and gay
I went a robbing on the highway
And when my money it did grow low
Out on the high road I'm forced to go
Where I robbed lords and some ladies bright
Brought home the gold to my heart's delight
I robbed Lord Goldwyn I do declare
And Lady Mansfield of Grosvenor Square
I shut the shutters and bid them goodnight
Away I went to my heart's delight
Through Covent Garden I took my way
With my pretty blowyn to see the play
'Til Fielding's gang they did me pursue
Taken I was by that cursed crew
Before Judge Hall then I was took
Before Judge Hall then I was tried
Says, \"Harry Jones, this will not do
My iron chest you have broken through\"
And when I'm dead and going to my grave
A pleasant funeral pray let me have
Six highwaymen to carry me
Give them broad swords and sweet liberty
Six blooming girls to bear up my pall
Give them white gloves and pink ribbons all
And when I'm dead let them tell the truth
There goes a wild and undaunted youth
