A navvy goes on the spree and contracts a broom-stick wedding. [264Synopsis]
I am a Navy (sic) bold that has tramped the Country round sir
For to get a job of work where any can be found sir
I left my native home, my friends and my relations
to ramble up and down the Town, & work in various stations.
Chorus: I am a navvy don't you see, I love my beer all in my prime
Because I am a Navvy that is working on the line
I left my native home on the first of September,
That memorable day I still do remember
I bundled up my [illegible] , put on my smock¹ and Sunday cap sir, [Note 264.1]
And wherever I do ramble, folks call me Happy Jack sir. [Note 264.2]
I have got a job of work all in the town of Bury [Note 264.3]
And working on the line is a thing that makes me merry
I can use my pick and spade, and my wheelbarrow;
I can court the lasses too, but never intend to marry.
I worked there a fortnight and then it came to pay day
And when I geet my wages I thought I’d have a play day [Note 264.4]
And then a little spree(1) in Clerke Street went quite handy [Note 264.5]
And I sat me down in Jenkinson’s beside a Fanny Brandy
I called for a pint of beer and bid the old wench drink sir
But while she was a drinkin she too at me did wink sir
Well then we had some talk, in the backside we had a rally(1)
Then jumped over brush and steel & agreed to live tally¹ [Note 264.6]
They called for liquors merrily; the jugs went quickly round
That being my wedding day, I spent full many a crown¹, sir
And when me brass¹ was done, old Fanny went a cadging(1)
And to finish up me spree(1), I went and sloped me lodgings
Oh now my chaps, I’m going to leave the town of Bury
I’m sorry for to leave you chaps, for I’ve always found you merry
So call for liquors freely and drink away me dandy
And cry out here’s health to Happy Jack, and Fanny Brandy