Riding Down to Portsmouth

Riding Down to Portsmouth

Roud 1534

version from Tom Willett - as sung on The Roving Journeymen (Topic LP)

1. 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
   
   
2. 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
   
   
3. 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
   
   
4. 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.