Rathcliffe Highway
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1. As I went to
walking down London,
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from Wapping to Rathcliffe Highway.
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Well, I chanced to go in to an alehouse,
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to spend a long night and a day.
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2. A young droxy came
rollin' up to me,
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and asked if I'd money to sport.
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For a bottle of wine changed a guinea,
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and quickly replied, 'That's the sort!'
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3. Well, a bottle was
put on the table,
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there were glasses for everyone.
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When I asked for the change of me guinea,
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she tipped me the verse of a song.
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4. This lady flew
into a passion,
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and she placed both her hands on her hips,
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sayin', 'Sailor don't you know now our
fashion.
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Do you think you're on board of your
ship?'
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5. 'Well, if this is
your fashion to rob me,
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it's a fashion that I won't abide.
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So go lunch out the change of me guinea,
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or I'll give to you a broadside.
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6. Well, a gold watch
hung over the mantel,
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so the change of me guinea I take.
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And down the stairs I run nimbly,
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sayin', 'Damn me old boots, I'm well
paid'.
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7. Well, the night it
being dark in me favour,
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to the river I quickly did creep.
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I got into a boat bound for Deptford,
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and got safely on board of me ship.
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8. So come all of you
young sailors,
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that ramble down Rathcliffe Highway,
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if you chance to go into an alehouse,
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be careful, how long, lads, you stay.
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9. For the wine and
the women invite you,
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and your hearts will be all in array,
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if you give them a guinea for a bottle,
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you
can close, and the devil for your change.
(Dubliners)