Ronnie Drew - Ratcliffe Highway |
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Ronnie Drew Singing Ratcliffe Highway
As I was a-walking down London From Wapping to Ratcliffe Highway I chanced to pop into a Ale-house To spend a long night and a day A young doxy came rolling up to me And asked if I'd money to sport For a bottle of wine changed a guinea And she 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 my guinea She tipped me a verse of her song This lady flew into a passion And 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 Such a fashion I'll never 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 my guinea I take And down the stairs I run nimbly Saying: 'Darn my old boots, I'm well paid' The night being dark in my favour To the river I quickly did creep And I jumped in a boat bound for Deptford And got safe aboard of my ship So come all you bold young sailors That ramble down Ratcliffe Highway If you chance you go into a Ale-house Beware, lads, how long you do stay For the wine 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 devil for your change |