Well when I first came to town
They called me the rovin' jewel
Now they've changed their tune
Call me Katie Cruel

And when I first came to town
They bought me drinks aplenty
Now they've changed their tune
Hand me the bottles empty

And if I was where I would be
Then I'd be where I am not
Here I am where I must be
Where I would be, I cannot
Oh, well diddle aye, hum diddle aye, diddle ay

Through the woods I am going
Down through the boggy mires
Straightaway down the road
Till I come to my heart's desire

And if I was where I would be
Then I'd be where I am not
Here I am where I must be
Where I would be, I cannot
Oh, well diddle aye, hum diddle aye, diddle ay

Well when I first came to town
They called me the rovin' jewel
Now they've changed their tune
They call me Katie Cruel

And when I first came to town
They bought me drinks aplenty
Now they've changed their tune
Hand me the bottles empty

And if I was where I would be
Then I'd be where I am not
Here I am where I must be
Where I would be, I cannot
Oh, diddle aye, hum diddle aye, diddle ay