Adieu, adieu, what was my fate
I was brought up in a tender state
Bad company did me entice
I left off work and took bad advice

Which makes me now to lament and say
Pity the fate of young felons all
Welladay, welladay
Welladay, welladay

I robbed Lord Baldwin, I do declare
And Lady Masefield in Grosvenor Square
I shut the shutters and bid them goodnight
And away I went to my heart's delight

Which makes me now to lament and say
Pity the fate of young felons all
Welladay, welladay
Welladay, welladay

Before Judge Harlen I was took
Before Judge Harlen I was tried
Then Harry Jones said, "This will not do
My iron chest you have broke into"

Which makes me now to lament and say
Pity the fate of young felons all
Welladay, welladay
Welladay, welladay

[Instrumental interlude]

Welladay, welladay
Welladay, welladay

And when I'm dead and going to me grave
No costly tombstone will I crave
Six bonny lasses to carry my pall
Give them broadswords, gloves, and ribbons all

Which makes me now to lament and say
Pity the fate of young felons all
Welladay, welladay
Welladay, welladay
[Instrumental interlude]

Welladay, welladay
Welladay, welladay