Maid of Amsterdam

A traditionally bawdy shanty, the origin of which is somewhat difficult to trace precisely. Some collectors claim it traces back to the early 17th century, citing a 1607 song titled "The Rape of Lucrece" as an early forebear; others argue that the two merely share subject matter, which in this case is not unique enough to claim a definite connection.https://www.fresnostate.edu/folklore/ballads/EM064.html At any rate, the song in its current form is attested at least as far back as the 1860s.https://www.vwml.org/record/RoudFS/S196405
The song has nearly endless variations, but traditional versions generally tell a humorous tale about incautious amorous pursuits.
It has appeared in only one TLJ livestream, and is not part of their current repertoire.
==Factoids==
The song is often quite raunchy, with an array of possible plot points summed up succinctly (if clinically) in The Traditional Ballad Index as, "a sailor meets an Amsterdam maid, fondles portions of her body progressively, has sex with her, and catches the pox. She leaves him after he has spent all his money."https://www.fresnostate.edu/folklore/ballads/EM064.html
TLJ's version is on the tamer side, leaving out the explicit debauchery. However, although they were not sung, during the August 2019 livestream, Robbie did suggest some additional verses:
*"I put my arms around her dad...and he was very very glad"
*"I put my hands around her spine...I pulled it out and said, that's mine." (This one was possibly attributed to Josh Bowker, who was claimed to have several such verses.)
==Lyrics==
These lyrics are based on the version sung by the Longest Johns in their August 2019 livestream.
In Amsterdam there lived a maid,
(Mark well what I do say,)
In Amsterdam there lived a maid,
and she was mistress of her trade.
(I'll go no more a-roving with you, fair maid.)
{Chorus}
A-roving, a-roving, since roving's been my ru-I-in,
(I'll go no more a-roving with you, fair maid.)
I asked this maid out for a walk,
(Mark well what I do say,)
I asked this maid out for a walk,
That we might have some private talk.
(I'll go no more a-roving with you, fair maid.)
{Chorus}
Then a great big Dutchman rammed my bow,
(Mark well what I do say,)
Then a great big Dutchman rammed my bow,
And said, "Young man! zis izt mein frau!"
(I'll go no more a-roving with you, fair maid.)
So take this warning, boys, from me,
(Mark well what I do say,)
So take this warning, boys, from me,
With other men's wives don't make too free.
(I'll go no more a-roving with you, fair maid.)
{Chorus til end}
==Recordings==
====Full Band Streams====
*Singing Live Stream and Special Announcement... (7 Aug 2019)
Category:Songs
Category:Traditional
Category:JD Songs