“Polly Perkins of Paddington Green”
Description
The singer describes beautiful Polly, whom he vainly loved. She teases and flirts, but declares, "The man that has me must have silver and gold." He gives up his courtship -- but later learns that she did not marry a lord but a "bow-legged conductor."
References
- SHenry H132, pp. 398-399, "Polly Perkins of Paddington Green" (1 text, 1 tune)
- Scarborough-SongCatcher, pp. 282-288, "The Butcher Boy" (8 texts; the "E" text is a single stanza which does not belong with the usual "Butcher Boy" versions and which does mention Polly Perkins, so it might be related to this song)
- DT, PLLYPRK*
- Roud #430
- BI, HHH132