The Philadelphia Lass

J. Catnach, Printer, 2, Monmouth-court, 7 Dials.

It was on a summer’s morning all in the month of May,
Down by those flowery gardens I carelessly did stray,
I heard a damsel most grievously to complain,
Saying William has gone & left me to plough the raging main.
With doleful lamentations & melancholy cries,
The tears ran down her rosy cheeks all fom her chrystal eyes,
Saying William faithless William you have left me here to mourn,
You have gone unto America & left me a bird alone
Tarry jacket and blue trowsers for my love I will put on,
And I will sail to America as speedily as I can,
Saying farewell honour’d father likewise my mother too,
I’m going to America sweet William to pursue.
It was on the first of March boys a storm did arise
The raging seas ran mountains high and dismal was the skies
Saying farewell faithless William your face I ne’r will see
I must lie in the briny sea my bride’s bed for to be
It was on the third of March the storm did fall low,
Be of good cheer the captain cries we have not far to go,
The land of Philadelphia I certainly do see,
I hope we shall get safe on shore & not lie in the sea
The mariners cast anchor & now Mary’s safe on shore,
She is gone to seek her William the lad that she adore,
When she beheld her William all sorrows bid adieu,
Saying William dearest William I have suffered hard for you.
Oh Mary dearest Mary you are welcome here on shore,
There is no other female but you I do adore
And since you proved so loyal so constant and true
We will go and get married and all sorrows bid [adieu].

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BBO Roud Number: V9596