NEW YORK GALS — Traditional

Come ‘prentice lads and seamen bold

and listen to my song,

I’ll tell you how I met the fate

when I was very young.

It was on the day I came from sea

a flash girl I did meet,

She kindly asked me to a dance

‘twas up on Peter Street.

And away, you Santee,

my dear Annie!

Oh, you New York gals,

can’t you dance the polka!

When we got to the ballroom, boys,

the liquor was brought in,

And all of them waltzed round the room

as the dancin’ did begin.

And then when the dance was over

we straight to bed did go.

How little did I ever think

she’d prove me overthrow.

When I came to next morning

nothing could I spy,

but a lady’s skirt and apron there

upon the bed did lie.

Me watch, me coat, and 80 pounds

with me fancy one had fled,

And there was I, Jack, all alone,

stark naked in bed.

Now everything was quiet,

for the hour was twelve o’clock.

So, I put that skirt and apron on

and I hauled off for the dock.

Me shipmates, when I came on

board, these words to me did say:

“Hey, Jack you got much prettier

since last you went away!

Is that the new spring fashion

the ladies wear on shore?

Where is the shop that sells them?

Have they got any more?”

Now, the old man, he said:

“Jack, me boy, I’m sure you could have found

a better suit than that by far to buy for 80 pounds!”

Well, I could have bought a better suit

if I’d only had the chance,

but I met this girl on Peter Street

and she took me to a dance.

I danced to me destruction,

I got stripped from head to feet

and I swear an oath I’ll go no more

to a dance on Peter Street!