As I was walking down Birmingham Street, With my scarlet cloak and all complete, Enough to entice all the all the young girls I see, With jovial companions called Ramble Away.
As I was a walking to Birmingham fair, I saw pretty Nancy a combing her hair; I tip'd her the wink, and she rolled her black eye, Says I to myself, I'll be with you by and by.
As I was a walking one night in the dark, I took pretty Nancy to be my sweetheart, She smiled in my face and this to me did say, An't you the young man they call Ramble Away.
I says pretty Nancy, don't smile in my face, For I do not intend to stop long in this place; I tip'd her the double to fair Yorkshire, I told her I'd ramble the d---l knows where.
When twenty-four long weeks was over and past, This pretty fair maid she fell sick at last; Her gown would not meet nor her apron string tie, And she longed for the sight of Young Ramble Away.
My dad and my mam they are both gone from home, and when they return I will sing them a song; I'll sing them a song and leave them to say, No doubt you've been playing with Ramble Away.
So come all you pretty maids wheresoever you be, A courting the young men, don't be quite so free; But dress yourself u,p and set off to the play, No doubt but you'll meet with young Ramble Away.
London : Printed at the "Catnach Press," by W. S. FORTEY, Monmouth Court, Seven Dials. The Oldest and Cheapest House in the World for Ballads (4,000 sorts), Children's Books, Song Books, &c.