As I went a-walking in the North country,
Down by Kirby Steven I happened for to be,
As I was a-walkin up and down the street,
A pretty little buy-a-broom I chanced for to meet.
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 my music walkin down the street,
And her with a tamborine was beatin hand and feet.
Straight way out for Kendal town we steered her and I'
Over yon green mountain the weather being dry,
We each had a bottle filled up to the top
And whenever we were feeling dry we took a little drop.
The night wa 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?
Early the next morning we arose to go our way,
I called for the landlord to see what was to pay,
Fourteen an sixpence just for you two,
Four crowns upon the table my darling then she threw.
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 to my bonny lass wherever she may be.