When I was in service in the Rosemary Lane I won the good will of my master Amberdine 'Till a young sailor came there one night to lie And that was the beginning of my misery He called for a candle to light him to bed likewise a silk handkerchief to tie up his head To tie up his head as sailors will do, "And third my pretty Polly, won't you come too?" This may be young and foolish, she thought it no harm To lie onto bed for to keep herself warm And what was done there, I will never disclose But I wish that short night had been seven long years
Next morning this sailor so early arose And into my apron three guineas did throw Saying "This I will give and more I will do If you'd be my pretty Polly wherever I go" And if it's a boy, he will fight for the King And if it's a girl she will wear a gold ring Wear a gold ring and a dress all of light And remember my service in the Rosemary Lane When I was in service in the Rosemary Lane I won the good will of my master Amberdine 'Till a young sailor came there one night to lie And that was the beginning of my misery