The Potato Man [Notes]
[from The Ranelaugh Concert…a choice collection of the newest songs sung at all the public places of entertainment].
I
I am a saucy rolling blade, [1]
I fear not wet nor dry,
I keep a jack ass for my trade,
And thro’ the streets do cry
Chorus. And they all rare potatoes be!
And they’re, etc.
II
A moll I keep that sells fine fruit, [2]
There’s no one brings more cly; [3]
She has all things the seasons suit,
While I my potatoes cry.
Chorus. And they all, etc.
III
A link boy once I stood the gag, [4]
At Charing Cross did ply,
Here’s light your honor for a mag, [5]
But now my potatoes cry.
Chorus. And they all, etc.
IV
With a blue bird’s eye about my squeeg, [6]
And a check shirt on my back, [7]
A pair of large wedges in my hoofs,
And an oil skin round my hat.
Chorus. And they all, etc.
V
I’ll bait a bull or fight a cock,
Or pigeons I will fly;
I’m up to all your knowing rigs [8]
Whilst I my potatoes cry.
Chorus. And they all, etc.
VI
There’s five pounds two-pence honest weight
Your own scales take and try;
For nibbing culls I always hate, [9]
And I in safety cry.
Chorus. And they all, etc.
[1: fellow] [2: mistress] [3: money; Notes] [4: cry out] [5: halfpenny] [6: handkerchief] [7: Notes; neck.] [8: smart tricks] [9: cheating dealers]