194. The Maid of Amsterdam

ou « A-Rovin' »
Chant de marins (sea shanty), Grande-Bretagne (XVIIe siècle).
De nombreuses versions existent ; les paroles de cette version sont contemporaines.

1. In Amsterdam there lives a maid
Mark well what I do say
In Amsterdam there lives a maid,
And this fair maid my trust betrayed.

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

2. Her eyes are like two stars so bright
Mark well what I do say
Her eyes are like two stars so bright,
Her face is fair, her step is light.
I'll go no more a-rovin'...

3. I asked this maid out for a walk,
Mark well what I do say
I asked this maid out for a walk
That we might have some private talk.
I'll go no more a-rovin'...

4. (Then I) put my arm around her waist
Mark well what I do say
For I put my arm around her waist
And snatched from her a kiss in haste!
I'll go no more a-rovin'...

5.
Then a big Dutchman rammed my bow
Mark well what I do say
For a big Dutchman rammed my bow,
And said, "Young man, dit is mijn vrouw!"
I'll go no more a-rovin'...

6.
So take a warning, boys, from me,
Mark well what I do say!
So take a warning, boys, from me,
With oth'r men's wives don't make too free.

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