ROSEMARY LANE
(Traditional)

Recorded by : The Green House Band; Rebecca Hall; 
Bert Jansch; Dan Milner; James Yorkston.


When I was in service in Rosemary Lane
I won the good will of my master Amberdine
Till a sailor came there, one night to lay
And that was the beginning of my misery

He called for a candle to light him to bed
And likewise a silk handkerchief to tie up his head
To tie up his head,
as sailors will do,
And then said “ My pretty Polly, will you come too ? “

Now, this may be young and foolish,  she thought it no harm
To lie into bed,  for to keep herself warm
And what was done there, I will never disclose
But I wish that short night had been 7 long years

Next morning this sailor so early arose
And into my apron 3 guineas did throw
Saying “ This I will give, and more I will do,
If you’ll be my Polly wherever I go “

Now if it’s a boy, he will fight for the king
And if it’s a girl, she will wear a gold ring
She will wear a gold ring and a dress all aflame
And remember my service in Rosemary Lane

When I was in service in Rosemary Lane
I won the good will of my master Amberdine
Till a sailor came there, one night to lay
And that was the beginning of my misery



(Contributed by ceilnat - November 2004)