As I Went Out One Morning Lyrics - Stan Ridgway

As I went out one morning 

To breathe the air around Tome Paine's 

I spied the fairest damsel 

That ever did walk in chains 

I offered her my hand 

She took me by the arm 

I knew that very instant 

She meant to do me harm 

Depart from me this moment 

I told her with my voice 

She said but I don't wish to 

Said I but you've got no choice 

I beg you sir, she pleaded 

From the corner of her mouth 

I will secretly accept you 

And together we'll fly south 

Just then Tom Paine himself 

Came runnin' across the field 

Shouting at this lovely girl 

And commanding her to yield 

And as she was letting go her grip 

Up Tom Paine did run 

I'm sorry sir, he said to me 

I'm sorry for what she's done