Motley Words

In Ilfracombe there lived a maid,
Mark well what I do say,
In Ilfracombe there lived a maid,
And she was mistress of her trade.
I’ll go no more a-roving with you, fair maid.
Chorus (repeated after each verse):

A-roving, a-roving, since roving’s been my ru-i-in,
I’ll go no more a-roving with you, fair maid.

Her eyes were like two stars so bright,
Mark well what I do say.
Her eyes were like two starts so bright,
Her face was fair… her thighs were tight
I’ll go no more a-roving with you, fair maid.
(Chorus)

I took this maiden for a walk,
Mark well what I do say,
I took this fair maid for a walk,
And we had such a loving talk,
I’ll go no more a-roving with you, fair maid.
(Chorus)

I put my arm around her waist
Mark well what I do say
I put my arm around her waist
so slim and trim and Tightly laced,
I’ll go no more a-roving with you, fair maid.
(Chorus)

I put my hand upon her knee,
Mark well what I do say,
I put my hand upon her knee
she said “Give over let me be”
I’ll go no more a roving with you fair maid.
(Chorus)

I put my hand under her frock
Mark well what I do say,
I moved my hand and got a shock
The frock was a kilt and her name was JOCK,
I’ll go no more a roving with you fair maid.

A-roving, a-roving, since roving’s been my ru-i-in,
I’ll go no more a-roving with you, fair maid.