Having uploaded "The Close Shave" two days ago, I decided to look up the song known in England as "Barrack Street", (Patrick Street in Ireland and Peter Street in Newfoundland apparently), from which that song was taken.

Barrack Street

C F G C
You sailors all come lend an ear, come listen to my song;
F C G
A trick of late was played on me and it won't detain you long.
C F C G
I come from sea the other day and a girl I chanced to meet,
C F G C
“Oh, me friends will be expecting me to a dance in Barrack Street.”

I said, “My young fair maiden, I cannot dance so well;
Besides I am to Windsor bound where all my friends do dwell.
I’ve been to sea the past two years; I've saved up thirty pounds.
My friends will be expecting me this night in Windsor town.”

“Well if you cannot dance, me love, then you shall stand a treat.
Have a glass or two of brandy and a something for to eat.
At six o'clock this evening I'll meet you off the train;
So don't forget to give a call when you come to town again.”

At eight o'clock that evening, then the drinking did begin.
And when we all had drunk our fill the dancing did begin.
Me and my love danced all around to a merry tune;
She says, “My dear, let us retire to a chamber all alone.”

So, dancing being over and to bed we did repair
And there I fell fast asleep, the truth I will declare.
My darling with me thirty pounds, gold watch and chain had fled;
Left me here poor Jack alone, stark naked in the bed.

So, I looked all around me and there's nothing I could spy
But a woman's shirt and apron all on the bed did lie.
I wrung my hands and tore my hair, crying, “Oh what shall I do?
Fare thee well, sweet Windsor town, I'm sure I'll never see you.”

Well, everything being silent and the hour but twelve o'clock;
I put on the shirt and apron, and I steered for Crowman's Wharf.
The captain says, “Now Jack, I thought you were to Windsor bound.
You might have got a better suit than that for thirty pound.”

“I might have got a better suit if I'd had got the chance;
I met a girl in Barrack Street, she took me to a dance.
I danced me own destruction, now I'm struck from head to feet,
I swear that I won't go no more down in Barrack Street.”

So, all of you young sailor lads a warning take from me:
Beware of all your company when you go out on a spree.
And keep clear of Barrack Street or else you'll rue the day:
In a woman's shirt and apron, oh, they'll bring you out to sea.

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