One fine and pleasant summer’s morning
When all around was bright and gay
The birds sang out their songs most charming
And I myself was as glad as they
I dressed myself in my Sunday suit
Washed my face, combed my hair
greased my brogues and sallied out
To spend that day in Carmin Fair
Row the diddle dum rye the diddle dum
Rye the diddle dum diddle dum day
Row the diddle dum rye the diddle dum
Rye the diddle dum diddle dum day
As I walked through the town of Carmin
Crowds of people thronged the streets
some were dressed in silks and satins
Some wore brogues upon their feet
Some wore hankies round their heads
Legs and feet completely bare
Such an awkward squad I ne’er did see
As I met that day in Carmin Fair
Row the diddle dum rye the diddle dum
Rye the diddle dum diddle dum day
Row the diddle dum rye the diddle dum
Rye the diddle dum diddle dum day
When I walked by the crowds and masses
examining them as they went along
Looking at their fancy dresses
I spied a maid among the throng
Her cheek was fair, her figure neat
And grand was the dress that she did wear
I thought myself there’s none that day
To compare with her in Carmin Fair
Row the diddle dum rye the diddle dum
Rye the diddle dum diddle dum day
Row the diddle dum rye the diddle dum
Rye the diddle dum diddle dum day
So I asked her out to have a drink
And she agreed without a frown
and off we went with one consent
To an alehouse up in Carmin town
I called in a good strong pint of sherry
Down in a snug armchair we sat
Then we got so bright and merry
I counted myself a lucky brat
Row the diddle dum rye the diddle dum
Rye the diddle dum diddle dum day
Row the diddle dum rye the diddle dum
Rye the diddle dum diddle dum day
When in my arms I held her folded
A taste of her lips I thought no sin
The door at once became unbolted
A big rough man came steppin’ in
Cried he “You damned infernal ruffian
How dare you mistreat me wife?”
Then he gave such a beating
I almost thought he’d take my life
Row the diddle dum rye the diddle dum
Rye the diddle dum diddle dum day
Row the diddle dum rye the diddle dum
Rye the diddle dum diddle dum day
“Ah , husband beat him well” said she
“For he kissed me , squeezed me , tore my hair”
I paid well for the day
That I spent with his bride in Carmin Fair.
So come all young lads that want a wife
Of unknown females do beware
Mind the disgrace that happened to me
In that damned deceitful Carmin Fair
Row the diddle dum rye the diddle dum
Rye the diddle dum diddle dum day
Row the diddle dum rye the diddle dum
Rye the diddle dum diddle dum day
Repeat ad lib.