Jolly Roving Tar
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"Jolly Roving Tar" was written by George Millar of Irish-Canadian folk band The Irish Rovers and first released on their 2002 album Another Round. (It is unrelated to the traditional song of the same name.) The Longest Johns released a YouTube cover of the song on 28 February 2024.
It was released as the third single of Ends of the Earth on May 1, 2026.
Lyrics
As performed in the YouTube video.
Well here we are, we're back again safe upon the shore
In Belfast town we'd like to stay and go to sea no more
We'll go into a public house and drink till we're content
For the lassies they will love us 'til our money is all spent
{Chorus}
So pass the flowing bowl while there's whiskey in the jar
And we'll drink to all the lassies at the Jolly Roving Tar
"Oh, Johnny did ya miss me when the nights were long and cold
Or did you find another love in your arms to hold?"
Says he, "I thought of only you while on the sea afar
So come upstairs and cuddle with your jolly roving tar!"
{Chorus}
Well, in each other's arms they rode until the break of day
When the sailor rose and said, "Farewell, I must be on my way."
"Why, don't ya leave me, Johnny lad! I thought you'd marry me!"
Says he, "I can't get married, for I'm married to the sea!"
{Chorus 2x}
Well, come you buddy lassies now, a warning take by me
Never trust a man like me an inch above your knee!
I'll tease you and I'll please you but when I've had my fun
I'll leave you in the morning with a daughter or a son! (What a bastard!)
{Chorus 4x}