New York Girls (trad.)


As I walked down the Broadway
One evening in July
I met a maid who asked me trade
And a sailor John says I

To Tiffany's I took her
I did not mind expense
I bought her two gold earrings
And they cost me fifteen cents

AND AWAY, YOU SANTEE
MY DEAR ANNIE
OH, YOU NEW YORK GIRLS
CAN'T YOU DANCE THE POLKA?

Says she, 'You Limejuice sailor
Now see me home you may'
But when we reached her cottage door
She this to me did say

My flash man he's a Yankee
With his hair cut short behind
He wears a pair of long sea-boots
And he sails in the Blackball Line

He's homeward bound this evening
And with me he will stay
So get a move on, sailor-boy
Get cracking on your way

So I kissed her hard and proper
Afore her flash man came
And fare ye well, me Bowery gal
I know your little game

I wrapped me glad rags round me
And to the docks did steer
I'll never court another maid
I'll stick to rum and beer

I joined a Yankee blood-boat
And sailed away next morn
Don't ever fool around with gals
You're safer off Cape Horn


Here is another version of the song:


As I walked out on South Street, a fair maid I did meet
Who asked me please to see her home, she lived on Bleecker Street
cho:: And away, you Johnny, my dear honey

Oh you New York girls, you love us for our money
I said, "My dear young lady, I'm a stranger here in town
I left my ship just yesterday, from Liverpool I was bound."

I took her out to Tiffany's, I spared her no expense
I bought her two gold earrings, they cost me fifteen cents

She said, "Come with me, dearie, I'll stand you to a treat
I'll buy you rum and brandy, dear, and tab-nabs for to eat."

And when we reached the barroom, boys, the drinks was handed round
That liquor was so awful strong, my head went round and round

When the drinking it was over, we straight to bed did go
And little did I ever think she'd prove my overthrow

When I came to next morning, I had an aching head
And there was I, Jack-all-alone, stark naked on the bed

I looked all around the room, but nothing could I see
But a lady's shift and apron which now belonged to me
Everything was silent, the hour was eight o'clock
I put my shift and apron on and headed for the dock

My shipmates seein' me come aboard, these words to me did say
"Well well, old chap, you've lost your cap since last you went away."

"Is this the new spring fashion the ladies wear ashore?
Where is the shop that sells it? Have they got any more?"

The Old Man cried, "Why Jack, my boy, I'm sure I could have found
A better suit than that, by far, to buy for eighty pounds."

So come all you bully sailormen, take warning when ashore
Or else you'll meet some charming girl who's nothing but a whore

Your hard-earned cash will disappear, your rig and boots as well
For Yankee girls are tougher than the other side of Hell