The Boston Burglar (Roud 261) was a number one hit in the Irish Charts for Johnny McEvoy in 1967.
[1] It is a transportation ballad commonly assumed to have been adapted in America from the sea shanty The Whitby Lad / Botany Bay.
The story tells of a young man who has been well brought up but turns to crime in the city of Boston, in America.
[2] Caught, tried and sentenced the man is placed on train to Charlestown,[2] and warns people to be lawful so to not end up incarcerated like him.
[3][a] This folk song–related article is a stub.