Lyrics:

Rathcliffe Highway

1. As I went to walking down London,
from Wapping to Rathcliffe Highway.
Well, I chanced to go in to an alehouse,
to spend a long night and a day.
2. A young droxy came rollin' 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!'
3. Well, a bottle was put on the table,
there were glasses for everyone.
When I asked for the change of me guinea,
she tipped me the verse of a song.
4. This lady flew into a passion,
and she placed both her hands on her hips,
sayin', 'Sailor don't you know now our fashion.
Do you think you're on board of your ship?'
5. 'Well, if this is your fashion to rob me,
it's a fashion that I won't abide.
So go lunch out the change of me guinea,
or I'll give to you a broadside.
6. Well, a gold watch hung over the mantel,
so the change of me guinea I take.
And down the stairs I run nimbly,
sayin', 'Damn me old boots, I'm well paid'.
7. Well, the night it being dark in me favour,
to the river I quickly did creep.
I got into a boat bound for Deptford,
and got safely on board of me ship.
8. So come all of you young sailors,
that ramble down Rathcliffe Highway,
if you chance to go into an alehouse,
be careful, how long, lads, you stay.
9. For the wine and the women invite you,
and your hearts will be all in array,
if you give them a guinea for a bottle,
you can close, and the devil for your change.

(Dubliners)