With regard to the comments about the Grainger/O'Shaughnessy version, the text used is, with the exception of verse one, is from the Somerset version collected by Cecil Sharp from Mrs Lock of Muchelney Ham. Mr Deene (Dean) sang these words:

“Tis on The Monday morning”

Tis on the Monday morning
Before the break of day,
Our ship she weighed her anchor
All for to sail away.

The wind it blew from the south west
For Lisbon we was bound
The hills and dales were garnish-ed
With pretty young girls around

It’s of a tender young man
Who’s in his blooming youth
He went to his own lover’s house
In bitter sighs and tears

He went to his own lover’s house
To let her understand
That he was bound to leave his love
Unto some distant land

Oh William, dearest William
Those words will break my heart
Let you and I get married love
Before that we do part

For six long months and longer
I’ve been in love by you
Oh stay at home dear William,
Be kind and marry me

Oh no my dearest Polly
That never can be (so)
For the Queen is in the wants of men
And I for one must go
And for my very life my love
I dare not answer no

That I’ll cut off my curly locks
Fresh clothing I’ll put on
And I’ll go along with you
And be yr wedded man

Your waist it is so slender love
Your fingers long and small
I’m afraid you wouldn’t answer me
When on you I sh’ call.

Recording Transcription by Ruairidh Greig from Grainger phonograph