Lyrics:

I am a handweaver to my trade
I fell in love with a factory maid
And if I could but her favour win
I'd sit beside her and I'd weave by steam

My father to me scornful said
'How can you fancy a factory maid,
When you can have lasses fine and gay
And dressed like unto the Queen of May'

As for your fine girls I don't care
For if I could but enjoy my dear
I'd go to the factory all the day
And she and I'd keep our shuttles in play


I went to my love's bedroom door
Where I had been many times before
But I could not speak nor yet get in
To the pleasant bed where my love lay in

How can you say it's a pleasant bed
When none lies there but a factory maid
A factory maid though e'er she be
Blessed is the man that enjoy she

Pleasant thoughts run in my mind
As I fold down the sheet so fine
See her two breasts a-standing so
Like two white hills covered in snow

O, where are the girls I'll tell you fine
They all have gone for to weave by steam
And if you would catch them you must rise at dawn
And trudge to the factory in the early dawn