Brennan on the Moor
Traditional Irish


Tis of a famous highwayman a story I will tell
His name was Willie Brennan and in Ireland he did dwell
T'was on the Kilworth mountains he commenced his wild career
Where many a wealthy gentleman before him shook with fear

And he's Brennan on the Moor
Brennan on the Moor
A brave undaunted robber
Was young Brennan on the Moor

A brace of loaded pistols he carried night and day
He never robbed a poor man upon the king's highway
But what he'd taken from the rich like Turpin and Black Bess
He always did divide it with the widow in distress

And he's Brennan on the Moor
Brennan on the Moor
A brave undaunted robber
Was young Brennan on the Moor

One night he robbed a packman by name of Pedlar Bawn
They travelled on together till the day began to dawn
The pedlar seeing his money gone likewise his watch and chain
He at once encountered Brennan and he robbed him back again

And he's Brennan on the Moor
Brennan on the Moor
A brave undaunted robber
Was young Brennan on the Moor

One day upon the highway as young Willie he went down
He met the Mayor of Cashiel a mile outside the town
The Mayor he knew his features, "I think, young man," said he,
"Your name is Willie Brennan and you must come along with me."

And he's Brennan on the Moor
Brennan on the Moor
A brave undaunted robber
Was young Brennan on the Moor

Now Brennan's wife had gone to town, provisions for to buy
And when she saw her Willie, she began to weep and cry
He says, "Give me that tenpenny", as soon as Willie spoke
She handed him a blunderbuss from underneath her cloak

And he's Brennan on the Moor
Brennan on the Moor
A brave undaunted robber
Was young Brennan on the Moor

Then with his loaded blunderbuss the truth I will enfold
He made the Mayor to tremble and he robbed him of his gold
One hundred pounds was offered for his apprehension there
So he with horse and saddle to the mountains did repair

And he's Brennan on the Moor
Brennan on the Moor
A brave undaunted robber
Was young Brennan on the Moor

Then Brennan being an outlaw upon the mountains high
Whith cavalry and infantry, to take him they did try
He laughed at them with scorn until at length, 'tis said,
By a false-hearted woman he was cruelly betrayed

And he's Brennan on the Moor
Brennan on the Moor
A brave undaunted robber
Was young Brennan on the Moor

And he's Brennan on the Moor
Brennan on the Moor
A brave undaunted robber
Was young Brennan on the Moor