Ratcliffe Highway 

Lyrics courtesy of www.sailorsongs.com 

As I was a-walking down Wapping

I stepped into Ratcliffe Highway

And there I went into an alehouse

To spend all that night and next day

Two charming young girls sat beside me

They asked if I'd money to sport

Bring a bottle of wine change a guinea

I see you are one of the sort

The bottle was placed on the table

With glasses for every one

When I asked for the change of my guinea

She gave me the verse of a song

The old woman she flew in a passion

And placed her two hands on her hip

Saying - Young man you don't know our fashion

You think you're on board of your ship

If that is your fashion to rob me

It's a fashion I don't much admire

So tip me the change of my guinea

Or a broadside into you I'll fire

The bottle that stood on the table

I quick at her head did let fly

And down on the ground she did tumble

And loudly for mercy did cry

The gold watch that hung on the mantel

I into my pocket did slip

And darn my old shoes didn't I trick her

And soon got aboard of my ship

Our anchor being weighed at our bow boys

Our tops'ls being well sheeted home

We soon bid adieu to fair London

And all the flash girls in the town

 

Lyrics courtesy of www.sailorsongs.com