When I Came to Greenwich Town

Here's another South London Song, a warning to the girls of Greenwich to watch out for sailors (the tune is here). This version is from Roy Palmer, The Oxford Book of Sea Songs (1986) - there are other versions which mention other places.

The Rambling Sailor

I am a sailor stout and bold,
Long time I have ploughed the ocean
To fight for my king and country too,
For honour and promotion.

I said: "Brother sailors I will bid you adieu.
I will go no more to the seas with you,
I will travel the country through and through,
And still be a rambling sailor."

When I came to Greenwich town
There were lasses plenty!
I boldly stepped up to one
To court her for her beauty.

I said: "My dear, be of good cheer.
I will not leave, you need not fear,
I will travel the country through and through,
And still be a rambling sailor."

When I came to Woolwich town,
There were lasses plenty.
I boldly stepped up to one
To court her for her money.

I said: "My dear, what do you choose?
There's ale and wine and rum punch too,
Besides a pair of new silk shoes
To travel with a rambling sailor."

When I awoke all in the morn
I left my love a-sleeping.
I left her for an hour or two
Whilst I go courting some other;

But if she stays till I return
She may stay there till the day of doom.
I'll court some other girl in her room,
And still be a rambling sailor.

And if you want to know my name,
My name it is young Johnson.
I have got a commission from the king
To court all girls that are handsome.

With my false heart and flattering tongue
I court all girls both old and young;
I court them all and marry none,
And still be a rambling sailor.