Leaving on a Jet Plane

Greetings and salutations, my friends! A good day to you, and many thanks for taking the time to read this blog! Well, come Monday morning I'm leaving for my semester-long study abroad program in Belfast, Northern Ireland. I'm sure that it should prove to be exciting...

Well, while I'm away, I want to be able to keep you all updated as to my experiences, adventures, travels, and anything else that comes to mind. Hence, this blog.

Now, I'm sure that some of you (if anyone is bothering to read this, that is) are probably wondering about the title: The Wild Rover. Yes, yes... I know. I am not now, nor have I ever been, particularly "wild." Alright, well, to be perfectly honest, I filched the title from a traditional Irish folk song. A great song, really; one of those rousing Irish pub songs that involves clapping or glass-banging from the clientele. I've included the lyrics below for your enjoyment, and, if you'd like to download it on your little music downloading programs, I'd recommend the version recorded by The Pogues and included as an extra track on the most recent rerelease of their album Red Roses for Me. Indeed...

Alright, well, I hope to talk to you all and give you an update soon! Thanks for your time, and I hope that I can keep you entertained throughout the semester! Goodnight!

"The Wild Rover" (Irish folk song)
I've been a wild rover for many a year,
And I've spent all me money on whiskey and beer
But now I'm returning with gold in great store,
And I promise to play the wild rover no more

And it's no, nay, never! (clap, clap, clap)
No nay never no more.
Will I play the wild rover?
No never no more...

I went to an alehouse I used to frequent,
And I told the landlady my money was spent.
I asked her for credit, she answered me, 'Nay,
sure a custom like yours I could get any day!'

And it's no, nay, never! (clap, clap, clap)
No nay never no more.
Will I play the wild rover?
No never no more...

And from my pocket I took sovereigns bright,
And the landlady's eyes, they lit up with delight
She said, 'I have whiskeys and wines of the best,
And the words that I spoke, sure were only in jest!'

And it's no, nay, never! (clap, clap, clap)
No nay never no more.
Will I play the wild rover?
No never no more...

I'll go home to my parents, confess what I've done,
And I'll ask them to pardon their prodigal son.
And if they forgive me as oft-times before,
Then I promise I'll play the wild rover no more.

And it's no, nay, never! (clap, clap, clap)
No nay never no more.
Will I play the wild rover?
No never no more!

(clap, clap, clap)