Rosemary Lane from TRESPASS by Alex Roberts (UK)

When I was in service in Rosemary Lane,
I won the good will of my master Amberdine,
Until a young sailor came there one night for to stay,
And that was the beginning of my misery,

He called for a candle to light him to bed,
And a silk handkerchief to tie up his hair,
To tie up his hair as sailors will do,
And he said "Pretty Polly, will you come too?"

Now this maid being young and foolish, she thought it no harm,
To lie on his bed to keep herself warm,
“And what was done there, I shall never disclose,
But I wish that short night had been seven long years,”

Early next morning the sailor arose,
And into my pocket three guineas did throw,
Saying "This I will give and more I will do,
If you’ll be my Polly wherever I go"

Now if it’s a boy, he’ll fight for the King,
And if it’s a girl she’ll wear a gold ring,
She’ll wear a gold ring and a dress all aflame,
And remember my service in Rosemary Lane,

• Folk
• bouzouki
• finger-style guitar
• lap steel guitar
• singer-songwriter
• storytelling
• United Kingdom