The Little Carpenter
Coll:W H Long “Songs sung by the IOW peasantry” 1886

I’ll sing you a new song that lately has been made
‘Tis of a little carpenter and of a pretty maid
I have a fancy for you - you goes so neat and trim
But oh, the little carpenter, what will become of him? X2

The first he was a farmer and he could plough and sow
He said “my pretty fair maid, I’m come to let you know
I I have a fancy for you, you goes so neat and trim
But oh, the little carpenter, what will become of him?” X2

The next he was an old man, come hoplin in the dark.
He said “My dearest jewel ‘tis you have won my heart
I have a fancy for you, you goes so neat and trim
But oh, the little carpenter, what will become of him? X2

The next he was a blacksmith that came from Newtown fair
He gave her his gold watch and a little of his store.
He gave her his silk handkerchief all for to put it in
Saying “Oh, the little carpenter, what will become of him?” X2

I’ll work with my broad axe as long as I can wag
And all the money I can get, I’ll put it in a bag
I’ll put it in my bag until Saturday at night
It’ll be “Oh my little carpenter you be my heart’s delight. X2

At last there came the carpenter he came so neat and slow
A carved cradle in his arms he’d brought to her to show
He works his broad axe all the day and sits by her at night
And Oh! My little carpenter you are my heart’s delight. X2
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I'll sing you a new song - Shirly Collins reckons this indicates the song origins at about the 1750's, it was a common way of starting songs then.

Newtown fair - Newtown was the original capital of The Island until it moved to Newport. Apart from the old town hall there isn't much there anymore, except a nature reserve.

Hoplin - Hobbling I presume.

Broad axe - could be adze or axe. I sing either as the mood takes me.