Lyrics:

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

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

This may be young and foolish, she thought it no harm
To lie onto bed for to keep herself warm
And what was done there, I will never disclose
But I wish that short night had been seven long years

Next morning this sailor so early arose
And into my apron three guineas did throw
Saying "This I will give and more I will do
If you'd 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 of light
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 there one night to lie
And that was the beginning of my misery