meaning of the phrase DOL LI A chorus

Subject: meaning of the phrase DOL LI A chorus
From: The Sandman
Date: 25 Sep 08 - 10:26 AM

origins anfd meaning of the phrae DO LL IA,and the rest of the chorus,plus any background to the song. thankyou.

Subject: RE: meaning of the phrase DOL LI A chorus
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 25 Sep 08 - 10:42 AM

The song concerns whores on the Newcastle quayside, eagerly awaiting the next regiments. Noted by Bell as A song famous in Newcastle about the Years 1792-3-4.. There was another thread - see Here with other details & notions about the song (i.e. Black Cuffs = North Yorks Militia, Green Cuffs = 23 Ulster Dragoons). Dolly Coxon opts to become a camp follower, pawning her blouse to do so. I reckon the chorus is a bit of nonsense; people have suggest Dillen Doll might be the sort of girl Dolly is, but I've always heard it sung Dole rather than Dol - Doal-li-the-dillen-doll, but whatever the case, there's a deep affection here, no doubt about that.   

A very lovely song though; since moving over to The Fylde I sing it a good deal to remind me of Newcastle, the Quayside & the life thereof... little different from 1792-3-4 really! Be sure to post a version once you work it up.