The Oyster Girl

Another song I learned from Rhiannon that she probably learned from a recording, but I can't find a reference for. If anyone has a problem with the lyrics being presented here, please ask me to remove them before you sue me. I'll comply! This song is amusing if you can pull it off in a Cockney accent. It also lends itself to being modified into a duet.

As i was a-walkin' down a London street A pretty little oyster girl I chanc-ed for to meet I lifted up her basket and then boldly I did peek Just to see if she had any oysters "Oh oysters, oh oysters, oh oysters," said she "These are the finest oysters that you will ever see I sell 'em three a penny but I'll give 'em to you free 'Cause I tell that you're a lover of oysters" "Oh landlord, oh landlord, oh landlord," I cried Have you got a little room that's empty and nearby Where me and me bonnie little oyster girl may lie As we bargain for a basket of oysters?" Well, we hadn't been upstairs half an hour or more When the pretty little oyster girl, she opened up the door She went and picked me pocket and then down the stairs she tore And she left me with her basket of oysters! "Oh landlord, oh landlord, oh landlord," I cried "Did you see the little oyster girl a-drinkin' by my side She went and picked me pocket!" But the landlord just replied, "Ah, you shouldn't be so fond of your oysters!" So all you jolly lads be advised by me If you meet a little oyster girl and you would merry be Put a lock upon your trousers and then throw away the key Or you'll never get a taste of her oysters!

The Digital Tradition Database has a copy of The Oyster Girl with a tune. It is not, unfortunately, the tune I know and I'm not sure if these lyrics will scan to it. But it's all I can find for now.

Last updated 06/14/99 Email me: sca_bard@yahoo.com