My Mum and I got to talking about this song, my Mum heard it from her parents (we think my Nan) when she was growing up, and sang it to me and my sister growing up. We've loved reading all the posts and the history of the song and how its still being passed down - nobody I know has heard of it, but my family come from the East End of London originally, and the yiddish accent comes with the song! My Mum knows it this way:

Abey, Abey, Abey my boy, vot are you vaiting for nooow,
You promised to marry me one day in June,
It's never too late and it's never too soon,
All the family keep on asking me,
"Vich day? Vot day?" I don't know what to say!
Abey, Abey, Abey my boy,
Vot are you vaiting for noooow!

...and then this bit at the end which we can't work out! -

"Fine large shrimps, winkles and watercreaseeees!"

Has anyone else heard this bit or have any ideas why it's included?!?

Would love to find out.

Thanks,
Kerry