As I went a-walking in the North Country,
Down by Kirby Steven I happened for to be,
As I was a-walking up and down the street,
A pretty little buy-a-broom I chanced for to meet.
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For she was right, I was tight, everybody has their way,
It was the lish young buy-a-broom that led me astray.
She kindly then invited me to go a little way,
Yes was the answer to her I did say,
There was me with me music walkin' down the street,
And her with her tambourine was beatin' hand and feet.
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Straight way out for Kendal town we steered her and I ,
Over young green mountain the weather being dry,
We each had a bottle filled up to the top
And whenever we were getting dry we took a little drop.
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The night was coming on and good lodgings we did find,
Eatables of all kind and plenty of good wine,
Good bed and blankets just for we two,
And I rolled her in me arms me boys, and wouldn't you do too.
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Early the next morning we arose to go our way,
I called than to the landlord to see what was to pay,
Fourteen and sixpence just for two,
Four crowns upon the table my darling then she threw.
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Well the reason that we parted I now shall let you hear,
She started off for Germany right early the next year,
But me being unwilling for to cross the raging sea,
Here's a health unto my bonny lass wherever she may be.
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