You may talk of the piano, the organ or the lute,
The bugle or manoline, the fiddle or the flute,
Or any other instrument you ever gazed upon
But give to me a tune upon the wee melodeon.
Chorus
Though I'm not the master of the instrument, you see,
I'm qualified to make a noise wherever I may be,
I never care a rap about the way the world goes on
I can always play a tune upon the wee melodeon.

I needn't blush to tell you all I love a colleen grand,
And thought she was the loveliest in this pleasant land,
Ther first time we came acquainted 'twas at a fancy Ball
Was given on the mountain-side to entertain us all.

It was lovely entertainment where everything was right,
We disregarded curfew and kept it up all night,
The best part of the programme when the sport was going on
The maiden took a fancy to my wee melodeon.

I loved this fair maid for half a year or more,
I really think her equal I never met before,
She was grand beyond description and the fairest would surpass,
I was fairly fascinated by this charming Irish lass.

A rival then came on the scene and soon disposed of me,
Although he was unarmed from him I had to flee,
I soon got marching orders and was put upon the run,
I retired in great disorder with my wee melodeon.
Chorus
Though I'm not the master of this instrument, you see,
I can kick up the hell of a noise no matter where I may be,
I never care a rap about the way the world goes on
I'll always have a tune upon the wee melodeon.