Rosemary Lane
Tales of Temptation in Rosemary Lane: A Sailor's Intrigue
Lyrics
When I was in service in Rosemary Lane
Reflecting on a period of service in Rosemary Lane.
I won the goodwill of my master and did I
Successfully gained the favor of the employer.
Till a sailor came there one night to lay
A sailor's arrival marked the start of troubles.
And that was the beginning of my misery
The sailor's visit led to misery for the narrator.
He called for a candle to light him to bed
The sailor requested a candle and a handkerchief.
And likewise a silk handkerchief to tie up his head
Specifically, a silk handkerchief for his head.
To tie up his head as sailors will do
Sailors' habit of tying their heads with handkerchiefs.
And he said my pretty Polly will you come too
The sailor invited the narrator, Polly, to join him.
Now this maid being young and foolish she thought it no harm
Polly, young and foolish, saw no harm in joining him.
For to lie into bed to keep herself warm
Polly went to bed with the sailor to keep warm.
And what was done there I will never disclose
The details of what transpired are left undisclosed.
But I wish that short night had been seven long years
Expressing regret for the consequences of that night.
Next morning this sailor so early arose
The sailor left early the next morning.
And into my apron three guineas did throw
The sailor gave the narrator three guineas.
Saying take this I will give and more I will do
Expressing willingness to offer more for companionship.
If you'll be my Polly wherever I go
The sailor asks Polly to be with him wherever he goes.
Now if it's a boy he will fight for the king
If they have a boy, he'll fight for the king.
And if it's a girl she will wear a gold ring
If they have a girl, she'll wear a gold ring.
She will wear a gold ring and a dress all aflame
Imagery of a girl adorned in gold and a fiery dress.
And remember my service in Rosemary Lane
A reminder of the narrator's past service in Rosemary Lane.
When I was in service in Rosemary Lane
Repetition of the initial reflection on service.
I won the goodwill of my master and did I
Reiterating the narrator's success with the employer.
Till a sailor came there one night to lay
Recalling the sailor's arrival and ensuing misery.
And that was the beginning of my misery
Emphasizing the sailor's visit as the origin of suffering.
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