When I was in service in the Rosemary Lane
I won the good will of my master Amberdine
'Till a young sailor came by one night to lie
And that was the beginning of my misery

He called for a candle to light him to bed
And likewise a silk hankerchief to tie up his hair
To tie up his hair as sailors will do,
"And third my pretty Polly, won't you come too?"

Now this might be young and foolish, she thought it no harm
To lie on to 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

So early next morning this sailor arose
And into my pockets 3 guineas did throw
Saying "This I will give and more I will do
If you'll be my pretty Polly wherever I go"

And if it's a boy, he will fight for the King
And if it's a girl she will wear a gold ring
Wear a gold ring and a dress all aflame
And remember my service in the Rosemary Lane

When I was in service in the Rosemary Lane
I won the good will of my master Amberdine
'Till a young sailor came by one night to lie
And that was the beginning of my misery