Here's the original poem:

By C. Fox Smith in FULL SAIL: More Sea Songs & Ballads, pp. 59-60 © 1926

Limehouse Reach


Now, I fell in love with a Limehouse lass,
But she has proved untrue;
She looked as fresh as a figurehead
That's just been painted new;
Now she's took and married a lighterman,
So it's time for me to go:
But I would have loved you so, my dear,
I would have loved you so!

Oh, a shake o' the foresheet pays for all
That a sailor leaves behind,
For an alehouse shot, and a friend forgot,
And a sweetheart false or kind;
And the bloomin' mudhook's off the ground,
For it's time for us to go:
But I would have loved you so, my dear,
I would have loved you so!

Now a long good-bye to Limehouse Reach,
And a last good-bye to you;
A feller's a fool to die for love,
Which I don't mean to do;
There are girls as smart in every port
From here to Callao –
But I would have loved you so, my dear,
I would have loved you so!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble