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The Servant Of Rosemary Lane

by Lynn Craig

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about

Often abbreviated to ‘Rosemary Lane’, this traditional ballad tells a familiar story of young women in service being taken advantage of and then blamed for their misfortune.

The photo is of Lynn singing with the Bo-Weevils at the Port Sunlight British Legion in 1966.

lyrics

When I was in service in Rosemary Lane
I won the goodwill of my master and the dame
Till a sailor came there, one night to lay
And that was the beginning of my misery

He called for a candle to light him to bed
And likewise a silk handkerchief to tie up his head
To tie up his head, as sailors will do
And he said “My Pretty Polly, will you come too?”

Now this maid being young and foolish she thought it no harm
For to lie into bed to keep herself warm
And what was done there I will never disclose
But I wish that short night had been seven long years

Next morning this sailor so early arose
And into my apron three guineas did throw
Saying “This I will give, and more I will do
If you'll be my Polly wherever I go”

Now if it's a boy he will fight for the king
And if it's a girl she will wear a gold ring
She will 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 goodwill of my master and the dame
Till a sailor came there one night to lay
And that was the beginning of my misery

credits

released April 21, 2018
Traditional

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Lynn Craig image

Lynn Craig Scotland, UK

Lynn’s first gig was as a teenager in 1966, singing with Liverpool folk-rock group The Bo-Weevils. Early shows included a talent contest at Ken Dodd’s Merseyside Artiste’s Association; where the Bo-Weevils came 3rd out of 26 acts that included comics, jugglers, crooners and a circus strongman!

Lynn sings solo & in the Border Rebels, living with Martin & 3 dogs in a remote part of rural Scotland. ... more

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