Irish traditional song lyrics — collected by Beer Belly Band.
As I was a-walking down London, through Wapping to Ratcliffe Highway,
I chanced to step into an alehouse to spend a long night and a day.
A young doxy came rolling up to me and asked if I’d money to sport.
A bottle of wine, change a guinea, I quickly replied that’s the sort.’
The bottle was placed on the table with glasses for every one;
When I asked for the change of my guinea she gave me the verse of a song.
The old woman she flew in a passion, and placed her two hands on her hip,
Saving: ‘Young man, you don’t know our fashion. You think you’re on board of your ship.’
‘If that is your fashion, to rob me, it’s a fashion I don’t much admire.
So tip me the change of my guinea, or a broadside into you I’ll fire.’
The bottle that stood on the table I quick at her head did let fly,
And down on the ground she did tumble and loudly for mercy did cry.
The gold watch that hung on the mantel I into my pocket did slip;
And, darn my old shoes, didn’t I trick her, and soon got aboard of my ship.
Our anchor being weighed at our bow, boys, our topsails being well sheeted home,
We soon bid adieu to fair London, and all the flash girls in the town.