HANDSOME MOLLY
(learned from Bill Briggs in 1961)
I wish I were in London, or some other seaport town,
Her hair was black as the raven's, her eyes were black as coal,
I went to church on Sunday, and she passed me right on by.
(from miriam berg's folksong collection)
I'd put my foot in a steam boat and sail the ocean 'round.
While sailin' 'cross the ocean, while sailin' 'cross the sea,
I'd think of handsome Molly wherever she might be.
Her cheek was like the lily that in the morning grows.
O, don't you remember, Molly, won't you give me your right hand?
If ever you got married, you said I'd be your man.
I wish I were in London, (etc.)
I could tell her heart was changin' by the rovin' of her eye.
Now you've broken your promise, go marry whom you please,
While my poor heart is achin, you're restin' at your ease.
I wish I were in London,