The Limerick Rake

 
Am 
I am a young fellow that's easy and bold, 
   C  (bass runs down c-b-a)         G 
In Castletown Corners I'm very well known; 
   Am 
In Newcastle West I spent many a note 
     C           G        Am 
With Kitty and Jenny and Mary. 
 

 
 Am 
My parents rebuked me for being such a rake 
    C                                   G 
And spending my time in such frolicsome ways, 
      Am 
But I ne've could forget the good nature of Jane, 
     C          G       Am 
Agus fagaimid siud mar ata se. 
 

 
Am 
There's some say I'm foolish, there's more say I'm wise, 
       C  (bass runs down c-b-a)         G 
For love of the women I'm sure 'tis no crime; 
         Am 
For the son of King David had ten thousand wives 
         C          G       Am 
And his wisdom is highly regarded. 
 

 
Am 
If I chance for to go to the town of Rathkeel, 
      C  (bass runs down c-b-a)         G 
The girls all around me do flock on the square, 
      Am 
Some give me a bottle and others sweetcakes, 
      C          G       Am 
To treat me unknown to their parents, 
 

 
Am 
There's one from Askeaton and one from the Pyke, 
        C  (bass runs down c-b-a)         G 
And another from Ardour, my heart was beguiled, 
       Am 
And being from the mountains, her stockings were white, 
        C          G       Am 
Agus fagaimid siud mar ata se. 
 

 
Am 
John Damer of Shronel had plenty of gold 
      C  (bass runs down c-b-a)         G 
And Devonshire's treasure was twenty times more, 
          Am 
But he's laid on his back among nettles and stones, 
    C          G       Am 
Agus fagaimid siud mar ata se. 
 

{1 strum per chord change} 
Am                              C 
And when I'm on my back and me soul is at peace 
 Am                             C         G 
These women and children will keen at me wake, 
   Am                           C          G 
Me sons and me daughters will utter their prayers 
         C          G       Am 
To the Lord for the sake of their father. 


(Note-- the Gaelic is pronouced "ah-gus fy-a-mid shoe-ed morr a-taw shay" 
        and means "and we'll say no more about it."