Guitar, Vocal
- Robin
Bass - Barry Weisenfeld
I learned this from a Bert Jansch record. It’s related to a song called “Home Dearie Home.” It refers to a time when a young single woman who got pregant essentially saw her life ruined. What a change from our century, when many women today choose to go to a sperm bank and become single mothers by choice! This ballad is told in the first person, however, notice that in the 3rd verse the narrator switches to the third person at the pivotal moment of her momentous decision, which leads to disaster for her.
Rosemary Lane
When I was in service in
Rosemary Lane
I won the good will of my master Amberdine
Until a young sailor came there to stay
And that was the beginning of my misery
He called for a candle
to light him to bed
Aand likewise a silk hankerchief to tie up his hair
To tie up his hair as sailors will do,
"And third my pretty Polly, will you come too?"
Now this may seem young
and foolish, she thought it no harm
To lie on thebed to keep herself warm
And what was done there, I shall never disclose
But I wish that short night had been 7 long years
So early next morning this
sailor arose
And into my pockets 3 guineas did throw
Saying"Tthis I will give and more I will do
If you’ll be my Polly wherever I go"
Now if it’s a boy,
he’ll fight for the King
Aand if it’s a girl she’ll wear a gold ring
She’ll wear a gold ring and a dress all aflame
And remember my service in Rosemary Lane
When I was in service in
Rosemary Lane
I won the good will of my master Amberdine
Until a young sailor came there to stay
And that was the beginning of my misery