Bold Jack was one of the best-known bush rangers and balladeers of early Australian history. He became a legend in his own time in Ireland and Australia. He was seen as a symbol of resistance to oppressive authority and singing about him was actually banned in Australia. See pages 60-61 of ‘O’Donoghue People and Places for the full story.
The many Bold old Jack songs have varying words and are sung to different tunes.
Two songs about him are available on this page.
The first one was collected in Ireland by Jean Ritchie and Georg Pickow. The collection is entilted ‘As I roved out’ (Field Trip-Ireland), Folksways Records FW 8872. The singer is not known. Tom Donahue (Member 5) contributed this version.