THE OYSTER GIRL

As I was a-walking through London Town as well,
Love, being quite a stranger I wandered up and down;
Man, when I did finish the toury then quickly you shall hear
That was where do you think I found myself, in the corner of a square.

'O landlord, O landlord, O landlord,' said (me),         (he)
Said, 'Have you got a private room for the oyster girl and me?
So as we can sit down and so merrily's we'll be,
If you'll bargain with a basket of oysters.'

'O oysters, O oysters, O oysters!' said (he),         (she)
I've got the finest little oyster gel that ever you did see;
We sell 'em two-a-penny and three I'll give to you,
If you'll bargain with a basket of oysters.

'O landlord, O landlord, O landlord,' said (me),         (he)
Said, 'Have you seen that oyster gel came in the room with me?
She have picked me of my pockets of all my money,
And she's left me with a basket of oysters.'


Source: Travellers' Songs from England and Scotland, by Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger, 1977 (#48, pp. 177-178)

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