Nellie was a milkmaid bonny, brisk and gay
She always took delight with young Roger for to play
One day she decided some pleasure for to take
And asked her missus leave for to go to the wake

Nellie toraloo, Nellie toraloo
Oh sweet lovely Nelly, to the wake she did go

“Oh Nelly,” said her missus, “I'd have you to take care
And of that young Roger I'd have you beware
So Nellie, you may go but this promise you must make
Don't frolic with young Roger coming home from the wake”

Nellie toraloo, Nellie toraloo
Oh sweet lovely Nelly, to the wake she did go

So dressed in her best, young Nellie did repair
And as the expected young Roger he was there
And they danced and they sang, they had beer, ale and cake
And Nellie were the prettiest that they had at the wake

Nellie toraloo, Nellie toraloo
Oh sweet lovely Nelly, to the wake she did go

The day being over, they homeward went their way
Until they had come to the new cocks of hay
And Roger kissed young Nell and her promise she did break
She frolicked with young Roger coming home from the wake
Nellie toraloo, Nellie toraloo
Oh sweet lovely Nelly, to the wake she did go

When seven months were over and nine being come
Young Nellie was the mother of a fine lovely son
“I will call it,” she said, “I will call it for his sake
I'll call it young Roger coming home from the wake”

Nellie toraloo, Nellie toraloo
Oh sweet lovely Nelly, to the wake she did go