Oh it's of a jolly old farmer
Who lived in the West Country,
He had the finest daughter
That ever me eyes did see.
'Tis of a rich young squire
Was living there close by,
And he found he wouldn't be easy
Until he had a try.
So he dressed himself as a tinker
And he travelled on his way,
Until he come to the farmer's house
'Twas a-standing there close by.
"Oh, have you got any kettles
Or pots or pans to mend?
Oh, have you got any lodgings,
Me being a single man?"
"Oh yes," replied this pretty fair maid,
Not thinking any harm,
"Oh you can stay with us all night
If you sleep in our old barn."
So after tea was over
And she went to make his bed,
The tinker following after
He stole her maidenhead.
Oh, the tinker he being nimble,
He jumped up and he barred the door;
And she spent all night in the tinker's arms
Amongst the barley straw.
"Oh since you've slept with me all night,
Don't think of me none the worse."
He's put his hand in his pocket
And pulled out a heavy purse.
"Here's fifty pound I will give to you
To pay the nurse's fee;
And if ever I came this way again,
Fair maid, I will marry thee."
"Oh since you cannot now marry me,
Pray tell to me your name,
Likewise your occupation
And where and whence you came."
He's whispered softly in her ear,
"Oh they call me Davy Shore,
And if ever I came this way again
You'll remember the barley straw."
Now six month being over
And the nine month coming on,
This pretty little fair maid
Was the mother of a son.
Her father cried, "Oh daughter dear,
Who has done you this harm?"
"Oh I'm afraid it was the old tinker
Who slept in our old barn."