[470Notation]

I am a hand weaver by my trade,
I fell in love with a factory maid,
And if I could but her favour gain
I'd stand beside her and weave by steam

The factory maid she is like a queen,
With handloom weavers she'll not be seen.
............................................................
...........................................................

............................................................
...........................................................
When you could have girls fine and gay
And dressed up like the Queen of May.

For all the fine girls (or: For all her finery) I don't care
Could I but enjoy my dear
I'd stand in the factory all the day
And she and I'd keep our shuttles¹ in play.

How can you say it's a pleasant bed
When nought lies there but a factory maid
A factory maid what though she be
Blest is the man that enjoys she

...........................................................
And makes me wish I'd never been born,
I sit and grieve at my loom all day
For the lass that stole my heart away

Now where are the girls? I'll tell you plain,
The girls have gone to weave by steam.
And if you'd find 'em you must rise at dawn
And trudge to the factory in the early morn