Thanks for the response,

I guess what I am trying to figure out is when did the song originate? and what were the original lyrics? Is it Elizabethan or is that a "myth".

The Rape Of Lucrece I would agree with what Hugill writes in Song Of The Sea (1977): "The verses describing the progress of the seduction have a faint resemblance to those in a song [Rape Of Lucrece].... but this is a common technique in folksong and no measure of age"

Originally it seems Stan thought it possible to be Elizabethan when he wrote in Shanties Of The Seven Seas, 1961, that is was of: "fair antiquity...Some say the tune of A-rovin' is Elizabethan; this may be quite true"

He changes his mind by 1977, in Songs Of The Sea, he writes: "Certain authorities, in the past, have claimed this shanty to be of Elizabethan origin, but I diagree entirely..."

Is it possbile that A-Rovin' and Maid Of Amsterdam were at one time different songs and then combined?? EG.. Johnny My Jingalo which bears a closer resemblance to the Rape Of Lucrece and many of the landmen songs such as The Jolly Begger(man) -- thus placing the song more of 18th C.

Personally I think something of the Rape Of Lucrece as a source... Since so much was passed by word of mouth, I find it difficult to beleive there is no truth in what Captain W.B. Whall, and Masefield write of the origins --- certainly this ia a rumour which must have circulated at sea for some time.

Does anyone have more insight as to the 16th C. origins???

Thanks,
Brian