“The Sandgate Lass on the Ropery Banks”

Description

"On the Ropery Banks Jenny was sittin'... And hearty I heard this lass singin' -- My bonny keel lad shall be mine." She is knitting the stockings she promised him. She recalls meeting him, and looks forward to bearing his children

Supplemental text

Sandgate Lass on the Ropery Banks, The
  Partial text(s)

          *** A ***

From Stokoe/Reay, Songs and Ballads of Northern England, pp. 184-185.

On the Ropery Banks Jenny was sittin' --
  She had on a bed-goon just new,
And lithely the lassie was knittin'
  Wi' yarn of a bonny sky-blue;
The strings of hor cap they were hingin'
  Se lang on hor shoulders se fine,
And hearty I heard this lass singin' --
  My bonny keel lad shall be mine.

      Chorus
    O was the keel come doon the river,
      That I my dear laddie might see;
    He whistles and dances se clivvor,
      My bonnie keel laddie for me.

(4 additional stanzas)

Notes

For some reason, this reminds me very strongly of "Bring Back My Johnny to Me." But I can't point to common elements. - RBW

References

1. Stokoe/Reay, pp. 184-185, "The Sandgate Lass on the Ropery Banks" (1 text, 1 tune)
2. ST StoR184 (Partial)
3. Roud #3178
4. BI, StoR184