Riding Down to Portsmouth
Riding Down to Portsmouth
version from Tom Willett - as sung on The Roving Journeymen (Topic LP)
- Now as I was a riding along in the heighth of my glory
Now as I was a riding along, you shall hear of my story
Then I fell in love with a fair pretty maid
And I asked her if she'd go along with me
Some pleasure and some pastimes to see
We’re a riding down to Portsmouth - Now sailor if I go along with you, then it's I must be carried
Now sailor if I go along with you, then it's I must be married
Then she slept all in my arms all that night
And she gave me what was ten times worse
She left me all the reckonings to pay
We're a riding down to Portsmouth - Oh Landlord tell me what there is to pay, for I might be missing
Oh Landlord tell me what there is to pay, for I night be a jogging
For she's robbed me of my gold watch and purse
And she gave me what was ten times worse
Now landlord don't you think I'm under a curse
We're a riding down to Portsmouth - Saying damn me to myself, now I've paid for my kissing
Saying damn me to myself, now I've paid for my learning
Now my horse I shall leave you in pawn
And I bet you through the wars I'll return
And all gallus girls I will shun
And I'll ride no more to Portsmouth.