These lyrics are very close to the Frankie Armstrong version found in the Digital Tradition, FACTGRL2 (above) - but the tune is quite different.

The Factory Girl

As I went a-walking, one fine summer's morning
The birds on the branches they sweetly did sing
The lads and the lasses together were sportin'
Going down to yon factory, their work to begin

I spied a wee damsel, more fairer than Venus
Her skin like the lily, not one could excel*
Her cheeks like the red rose that grew in yon valley
She's my own only goddess, she's a sweet factory girl

I stepp-ed up to her, it was for to view her
When on me she cast a proud look of disdain
Stand off me, stand off me, and do not insult me
For although I'm a poor girl, I think it's no shame

I don't mean to harm you, I'm sure I would scorn it
But grant me one favour: Pray where do you dwell?
Kind sir, you'll excuse me, for now I must leave you
For yonder's the sound of the factory bell

I have lands, I have houses adorn-ed with ivy
I've gold in my pocket and silver as well
And if you go with me, a lady I'll make you
So try and say yes, my dear factory girl

O love and sensation rules many a nation
To many a young girl perhaps you'd look well
I am a poor girl, without home or relations
And besides I'm a hard-working factory girl

It's true I did love her but now she won't have me
And all for her sake I'll go wander awhile
Over high hills and valleys where no one shall know me
I'll mourn for the sake of my factory girl

Now this maid's she got married and become a great lady
Become a great lady of fame and renown
She may bless the day and the bright summer's morning
She met with the squire and upon him did frown

Well now to conclude, and to finish these verses
This couple got married, and both are doing well
So, lads, fill your glasses, and drink to the lasses
Till we hear the sweet sound of the factory bell

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Click to play

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#221 in Peter Kennedy's Folksongs of Britain and Ireland
singer: Sarah Makem, 1952

You'll find a 1967 Sarah Makem recording of this song on Volume 10 of the Voice of the People CD series, What's That At My Bed Window?

*alternate: Her skin like the lily that grows in the dell.
**Alternate: I don't mean to harm you or yet, love, to scorn you
(both alternate lines are from the 1967 recording, which is somewhat shorter than the version in the Kennedy book)