The Boston Burglar

I was born and raised in Boston, a place you all know well Brought up by honest parents, the truth to you I'll tell Brought up by honest parents, and raised most tenderly 'Till I became a sporting lad, at the age of twenty-three

My character was taken, and I was sent to jail My friends they came and tried in vain, to get me out on bail The jury found me guilty, the clerk he wrote it down The Judge he passed his sentence, I was bound for Charlestown

There was my aged father, a-standing at the bar; Likewise my aged mother, a-tearing of her hair; Yes, tearing of her old gray locks, while tears came pouring down, Saying, "Son, dear son, what have you done, that you're sent to Chralestown

They placed me on an eastbound train one cold December day And every station we passed through you could hear the people say There goes the Boston Burglar, in chains his arms are bound For one crime or another, he is bound for Charlestown

There lives a girl in Boston, a girl that I love well, If ever I gain my liberty it's with that girl I'll dwell If ever I gain my liberty, bad company I'll shun, Likewise night prowling, gambling, and also drinking rum.

All you who have your liberty, pray keep it if you can, And don't go 'round the streets at night to break the laws of man; For if you do you'll surely rue, and find yourself like me, Who is serving out a twenty-year year term, in the penitentiary.

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