Limbo

I am a brisk lad and my fortune is sad
And if ever I get rich it's a wonder
Spent all my money on the women and beer
And the riches I had are all squandered
Field after field into market I sent
Till my lands were all gone and my money all spent
My heart was so hard I could never repent
And 'twas that that brought me into Limbo

Once I could run where the others did lie
And strut like a crow in the gutter
Girls would all cry as they saw me pass by
There goes Master Fop in a flutter
From the top to top gallant I hoisted my sail
I'd a fine French cravat, I'd a wig with three tails
Now I am ready to gnaw my own nails
And drink the cold water of Limbo

I had an old uncle lived out in the west
When he heard of my sad disaster
Poor soul laughed that he could never take rest
His troubles grew faster and faster
He come to the jail and he saw my sad case
Soon as I saw him I knew his old face
I stood and gazed on him like one in a maze
And wished I was miles out of Limbo

Oh son if I set you once more on your pegs
And put you in credit and fashion
Will you resolve to leave off your old ways
And try for to govern your passion
Oh uncle says I, if you will set me free
I promise I'll always be ruled by thee
I'll labour my body for the good of my soul
On the day I get outside of Limbo

He took out his money, there were three thousand pound
And he counted it out in bright guineas
Soon as the money he had laid down
I went round to see Molly and Jeanie
In my old ragged clothes they knew naught of my gold
They tossed me all out in the wet and the cold
You'd have laughed if you'd heard how those hussies did scold
How they jawed me for lying in Limbo
On the morning I stepped out of Limbo