Chorus
Robin was a rovin boy,
Rantin, rovin, rantin, rovin,
Robin was a rovin boy,
Rantin, rovin Robin!
1.
There was a lad was born in Kyle,
But whatna day o' whatna style,
I doubt it's hardly worth the while
To be sae nice wi' Robin.
2.
Our monarch's hindmost year but ane
Was five-and-twenty days begun,
'Twas then a blast o' Janwar' win'
Blew hansel in on Robin.
3.
The gossip keekit in his loof,
Quo' scho:- ' Wha lives will see the proof,
This waly boy will be nae coof:
I think we'll ca' him Robin.
4.
' He'll hae misfortunes great an' sma',
But ay a heart aboon them a'.
He'll be a credit till us a':
We'll a' be proud o' Robin!
5.
' But sure as three times three mak nine,
I see by ilka score and line,
This chap will dearly like our kin',
So leeze me on thee, Robin!
6.
' Guid faith,' quo sho, ' I doubt you gar
The bonie lassies lie aspar;
But twenty fauts ye may hae waur -
So blessins on thee, Robin!'

Chorus
Robin was roving boy,
Ranting, roving, ranting, roving,
Robin was roving boy,
Ranting, roving Robin!

There was a lad was born in Kyle,
But what day or what style,
I doubt it is hardly worth the while
To be so nice with Robin.

Our monarch's hindmost year but one
Was five-and-twenty days begun,
It was then a blast of January wind
Blew handsel (first gift) in on Robin.

The gossip glanced in his palm,
Quoth (said) she:- ' Who lives will see the proof,
This thumping boy will be no dolt:
I think we will call him Robin.

' He will have misfortunes great and small,
But always a heart above them all.
He will be a credit to us all:
We will all be proud of Robin!

' But sure as three times three makes nine,
I see by every score and line,
This chap will dearly like our kind,
So commend me to you, Robin!

' Good faith,' said she, ' I doubt you make
The lovely girls lie aspread;
But twenty faults you may have worse -
So blessings on you, Robin!'