Bootlegger's Lament
I was goin' down the river to my little cabin home.
The revenue man was waitin' there for me.
I was comin' up the hill when they caught me with the still.
Now I'll see you when the roses bloom again.
CHO: When the roses bloom again beside the river,
And the robin redbreast sings his melody,
Then my heart will fill with cheer, for I know I'll soon have beer,
And I'll see you when the roses bloom again.
They took me to the courthouse. The old judge he was there.
He didn't show me any sympathy.
Said, "You were feelin' very frisky when they caught you with the whiskey."
Now I'll see you when the roses bloom again.
They took me to the jailhouse to serve my ninety days,
And now I'm on the county rolls to stay.
I was feelin' very fine when they caught me with the wine.
Now I'll see you when the roses bloom again.
When the roses bloom again beside the river,
And the revenue men all have gone to rest,
Then I know I'll soon have wine, so be patient, pal of mine,
And I'll see you when the roses bloom again.
Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!