Rosemary Lane - Bert Jansch

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