A Cock and a Hen

A cock and a hen went off with each other,

They traveled 'round Ireland around and about

Until they reached Sligo where they met with some bother

So they sent for the lawyers to get them let out.

Before sergeants and judges they made their submission

Till the sergeant stepped up and gave them such a fright

That they flew to McNally's where they got accommodation

Eating berries by day and safe roosting by night

Chorus

Round- a- lum round-a-lum round-a-lum-randy

Ta-me rite foll-da-day ta-me rite-foll-da-dee.

Astride of his gelding my rooster looked dashing

Amidst the great concourse in the big fair of Straide

A watch at his waist, his britches in fashion

His sword was drawn out for his foes on parade.

His spurs were of silver, a sprig of white heather,

Stuck in his laced hat which swept down to each wing,

His boots they were made of the best Spanish leather

With a whip in his claw he progressed like a king.

Chorus

(rooster)

I went to Tom Hood's place and stood awhile watching,

There were hens by the dozen, but no cock at all

I shuffled around with my picking and scratching,

But the devil the hen that would come to me call.

But the women there caught me and tied me and weighed me

I knew in my gizzard the end had drawn near

Besides a big knife on the table they laid me,

And that was the finish of bold Chanticleer.

Chorus

(hen)

Alas, said the hen when she heard the sad story,

Who'll be there now to look after my chicks?

To think of and ending so untimely and gory,

For my mate on the roost, and the father of six.

I'm husbandless now, what's the use of my laying?

Not a grain will I pick till I go to the grave.

But I'll spend the rest of my days in inveighing

Against the Derry Laughne women, who stole my game-cock away.