I thank ye for the flower but I fear I cannot stay
Come get off my cloak my girl, and let me go my way,
I had your firstest kiss, you say, why honored, that I be
(But) I'm a bold adventurer; you cannot go with me.

You fling your arms about my neck; you say you love me so
When your eyes are full of tears, it's hard to tell you no.
But hush your silly crying girl; how can I make you see?
I'm a bold adventurer; you cannot go with me.

I think you wouldn't like the moldy bread I sometimes eat
The rocks would leave such bruises on your dainty little feet
The first we met a nasty dog, I'm sure you'd turn and flee
I'm a bold adventurer; you cannot go with me.

Your Da would sure call out the guard to take me any day
That such as I should think to steal his darling girl away.
Your Ma would want my head for that, for sure and right she'd be...
I'm a bold adventurer; you cannot go with me.

In the end we wouldn't suit; the reason I will state:
I am twenty seven, lass, and you--are only eight.
So come and dry those crystal tears it breaks my heart to see.
I'm a bold adventurer; you cannot go with me.

You asked my help to cross the ford, but that was just a ruse--
When I went to set you down, I found you'd stole my shoes.
You've had your story, and your song; take pity on my plea--
I'm a bold adventurer--you cannot go with me!