All my friends and all you flash girls, take a warning by me
And never build your nest at the top of the tree
For the green leaves they will wither and the roots will decay
And the beauty of a young girl so soon fades away
Once I had the colour as red as the rose
But now I am pale as the lily that grows
My looks are all gone like the men from my door
And it if wasn't for flash company I'd have never have been so poor
Singing and dancing were all my delight
And keeping flash company has ruined me quite
It's ruined me quite and a great many more
And if it wasn't for flash company I'd have never have been so poor
So take this yellow handkerchief in remembrance of me
And I hope you will wear it in your flash company
Flash company's been the ruin of me, and a great many more
And if it wasn't for flash company I'd have never have been so poor