The Farmer and the Maid by Henry Peacock, to the tune of The Man in the Moon
From a story of Jack Beeforth of Wragby Farm, Whitby, told to Dave Hillery

A farmer he goes to the Martinmas Fair
To see the farm workers who all gather there
Lass, ista for hiring? Hasta got a strong arm?
Says the lass, I can do onnything on a farm!

Chorus; Well you may be a farmer, you may milk the cow
But in this rough world we must rub along now
Wherever you go and whatever you do
In all of your dealings be honest and true

Well, thou looks a good lass, where were you last year?
Says the lass, Wi’ t’feller as stands over theer
Now, if he will put in a good word for thee
I’ll hire thee this year, tha can come wham wi’ me

Chorus

So the lass she steps over to get a good word
Nay, says her old master, Lass, have you not heard?
You don’t want to go wi’ ‘im and mek a new home
He’ll hunger thee and work thee reet dahn to the bone

Chorus

So the lass she goes back to the farmer again
Have you got a good word, lass? the farmer says then
Nay, says the lass, I’ve not got one for me
But he’s told me to never go working for thee!

Chorus