15 Aug 01 - 10:55 AM (#528474)
Subject: Lyr Add: RIGS AND SPREES OF THIS TOWN
From: pavane
I am having problems trying to access search results, so I will post this anyway. I know that there are existing versions in the database, and threads on its origins, but I can't see them at present!
(Don't know if there is much merit in this version.) I have left in the mis-spellings (that's my excuse)!
[Note - insert the name of the current town in the indicated places]
THE RIGS AND SPREES OF THIS TOWN, OR POP GOES THE WEASEL (anon, undated)
Come all you lads and lasses gay, and listen with attenti[o]n And the sprees of ______ town, I presently will mention With Jack & Will & Tom & Bill and Mr[a]ry Teasle I took a move into _____ town and there I popt the Weasel
And now I've got into _____ town, beleive me what I say, sir, With the pretty girls in this place I'll have some gallant play, sir I can dance and sing merry be & play with Mary Teasle And when we get in to the dark pop will go the Weasel
There's tradesman here of every kind and some that fond of firing And the pretty girls in this town I'm sure they are admiring And when the dance is does begin they come with master Teasel And before they go home at night I'm sure they'll pop the Weasel
Now you can pop the Weasel Bet and so can Nell and Kate then But in nine months my darling girls how sad will be your fate then You will curse the day that you did play Along with Roger Teasel Or on the grass you tumbled down and learnt to pop the Weasel
Now Nelly she does rue the day and so does Mary Ann, sirs, Look at the size you may easy tell the thing that I do mean sir The other night in going home, along with Farmer Teasel We had not got far from the town before pop went the Weasel
You may talk about the jolly lads, that comes to ____ town, sirs They are the lads I do declare to do the thing that brown sirs They can walk out and take the arm of young Miss Lady Teasle And before they do return again they play pop goes the Weasel
Now pop the Weasel Bet and Jack pop it in and out then Pop the Weasel Joe and Bet don't let them pull it out then When going home, now don't you stop along with Master Teasel Or you will rue the day you learnt to dance pop goes the Weasel
I'll end my song it is not long but tell you in a trice, sirs I'd have you all both great and small just take some good advice sirs When homeward bound don't tumble down, along with Master Teasle Or he will spoil your muslin gown when dancing pop goes the Weasel
Transcribed from a copy in the Bodleian Ballad Library NHJ
|