I was a young lad, so sprightly and green
And wrapped in garments appealing
But I had my woes, sure I was dealt my hand
And the nature of those is revealing

So I said to myself: I'll go away
To the city, when I'm older
Take my share, abbey-o
(Dimme dime a-duin day!)
Sow my city of care when I'm older

I went by the road, and sold a lot of corn
Bought the houses, and rented a chamber
But to my surprise, when the morning hit me dim
I woke up to find another stranger

And I said to myself: I'll go away
To the city, when I'm older
Take my share, totter down
(Dimme dime a-duin day!)
Sow my city of care when I'm older

Rogue plotters seek my fortune to keep
And hollowed out walls to plunder
But a spot of that bread, to rest my weary head
Sure it never has caused me to wonder

And to myself I say: I will go away
To the city, when I'm older
Take my share, until then
(Dimme dime a-duin day!)
Sow my city of care when I'm older