1. As I was a-going to Birmingham fair, With my scarlet coat and everything rare, Enough to entice girls buxom and gay, Who are willing to go with young Ramble-away.
2. When that I set my foot in the fair, I saw pretty Nancy a-combing her hair. I gave her the wink. She roll'd her black eye. Thinks I to myself, "I'll be there by and by."
3. As I was a-watching one night in the dark, I took pretty Nancy for my sweetheart. She smil'd in my face and thus she did say, "Are you the young man call'd young Ramble-away?"
4. I said, "Pretty Nancy, don't smile in my face. I do not intend to stop long in this place." So I tipt her the double through fair Lincolnshire, And I said I would ramble, I didn't care where.
5. "Your dad and your mam they are going from home, And when they return, I will sing them a song." O then he did say, "Your daughter's astray With a strange little rogue called Ramble-away."
6. Come all pretty maidens whoever you be. With those jolly lads never make over free. Hat, cap and feather you may have [for] to wear, And a bunch of blue ribbons to tie up your hair.
7. Her person grew round when she got to the play, Where she look'd in vain for young Ramble-away. When her baby was born, with tears she did say, "What a fool to be led off by Ramble-away!"