Oh do you know her or do you not
This new doffing mistress we have got?
Elsie Thompson it is her name
And she helps her doffers at every frame.

Fol de ri fol ra
Fol de ri fol ray

Oh every morning when she comes in
She do hang her coat on the highest pin.
Turns around just to greet her friends,
Saying, “Eh up, doffers, tie up your ends!”

Fol de ri fol ra
Fol de ri fol ray

Oh Elsie Thompson you're going away
Will it be tomorrow or today?
When you're gone you will break our hearts,
For there's no one here now to take your part

Fol de ri fol ra
Fol de ri fol ray

For when our boss comes in at the door,
“Tie your ends up, doffers,” he does roar.
"Tie our ends up we surely do,
But for Elsie Thompson and not for you".

Fol de ri fol ra
Fol de ri fol ray

“Yes tie our ends up we will surely do,
Our hands are steady our hearts are true.
Tie our ends up and then we'll leave our frames
Until Elsie Thompson comes back again"

Fol de ri fol ra
Fol de ri fol ray
Gemma Khawaja