On trouve trace de cette chanson pour la première fois en 1608 à Londres. Elle est alors jouée par Thomas Heywood. Elle est devenue très populaire dans le monde des marins. On la trouve souvent sous le titre Amsterdam Maid.
1. 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 !
A-roving, a-roving
Since roving's been my ru-i-in
I'll go no more a-roving with you, fair maid !
2. I asked this maid to take 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 !
3. Then a great big Dutchman rammed my bow
Mark well what I do say !
For a great big Dutchman rammed my bow
And said "Young man, dees ees mein frau !"
I'll go no more a-roving with you, fair maid !
4. Then take fair warning, boys, from me
Mark well what I do say !
So take fair 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 !