Ratcliffe Highway Lyrics

As I went a-walking down London,
From Wapping to Ratcliffe Highway,
I chanced to go into an ale-house
To spend a long night and a day.
A young droxy came rolling up to me,
And asked if I'd money to sport.
For a bottle of wine changed a guinea,
And quickly replied: "That's the sort."

When the bottle was put on the table,
There was glasses for everyone.
When I asked for the change of me guinea,
She tipped me the verse of her song.

This lady flew into a passion,
And she placed both her hands on her hip,
Saying: "Sailor, don't you know our fashion?
Do you think you're on board of your ship?"
"If this is your fashion to rob me,
It's a fashion I won't abide.
So launch out the change of my guinea,
Or else I'll give you a broadside."

A gold watch hung over the mantel,
So the change of me guinea I take,
And it's down the old stairs I run nimbly,
Saying: "Darn my aul boots, I'm well paid."
The night being dark in me favour,
To the river I quickly did creep,
I got on a boat bound for Deptford,
And I got safe on board of me ship.

So come all of you young sailors,
That ramble down Ratcliffe Highway,
If you chance to go into an ale-house
Becareful how long, lads, you stay.

For the wines and the women invite you,
And your heart will be all in a rage;
If you give them a guinea for a bottle,
You can go to the divil for change!