Words: traditional
Music: traditional

As I was a-walking through London
To Wapping down Ratcliffe Highway
Now I chanced to pop into a gin shop
To spend a long night and the day.

A young doxy came rolling up to me
She asked if I'd money to sport
For a bottle of wine gave a guinea
She quickly replied: "That's the sort".

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

Yes, this lady flew into a passion.
She placed both her hands and her hips
Saying: "Young man don't you know our fashion?
Do you think you're on board of your ship?"

If this is your fashion to rob me
Such a fashion I'll never abide
So, you'll launch out the change of my guinea
Or else I'll give you a broadside.

And a gold watch it hang from the mantle
So for change of my guinea I did take
Oh, then down the old stairs I run nimbly
Saying: "Darn my old boots, I'm well paid".

And the night being dark in my favour,
To the river I quickly did creep
And I boarded a boat bound for Deptford
And got safe aboard of my ship.

So, come all you young lads and sailors
That rambles down Ratcliffe Highway
If you chance to pop into a gin shop
Beware lads how long you do stay.

For the ales, strong liquors invite you
They'll put all your mind in a range
If a guinea you give for a bottle
You can go to the Devil for your change.