It is of two sailor lads both set out a walking

With their pockets a being both lined with gold

As they went a walking and civilly talking

Oh some fair pretty damsel they do behold

Oh one of those young men

Should I chance for to carry your basket

Oh there's eggs in the basket oh do take care

And if you should chance to out walk me

At the half way house you'll find me later there

These two young men oh they start out boldly

Until they come to the half way house

And it's landlord oh landlord

Go start the kitchen

Oh for you'll need your saucepan and skillet now

And it's landlord oh landlord

Take back the blanket

Oh for we'll give you bacon and eggs to fry

Oh that landlord went out to the basket

A thinking he'd got eggs to fry

Oh say young man ain't you mistaken

Oh for in this basket we've got a child

Up steps this young Nancy

Oh dearest Nancy

That he'd taken to bed on last whitsuntide

We got this young child since I take your fancy

So now the gay fiddler you've got to pay

That child's not ours lovely Nancy

He's no babe of mine nor no friend's beside

Here's fifty golds I'll give anybody

If she'll take care of this little child

Oh I will take it I'll kindly treat it

If you will say all my money's paid

Oh that young man went up to the basket

He's kicked it around and around the floor

Woo since it is done I will surely pay it

But damn me if I do eat eggs any more