Rosemary Lane
View chords used in this chart
Bm D A Bm
When I was in service in Rosemary Lane,
Bm D A E
I won the good will of my master and did I,
Bm D A Bm
'Til a sailor came there one night for to lay,
Bm D A E
And that was the beginning of my misery.
He asked for a lantern to light him to bed,
And likewise a silk handkerchief to tie up his head,
To tie up his head as sailors will do,
And he said my pretty Polly won't you come too?
Now this maid be young and foolish she thought it no harm,
To lie into bed for to keep herself warm,
And what was done there I will never disclose,
But I wish that short night had been seven long years.
Next morning this sailor so early arose,
And into my apron three guineas did throw,
Saying this I will give and more I will do,
If you'll be my Polly wherever I go.
And if its a boy he will fight for the king,
And if its a girl she will wear a gold ring,
Wear a gold ring and a dress all aflame,
And remember my service in Rosemary Lane.
When I was in service in Rosemary Lane,
I won the good will of my master and did I,
'Til a sailor came there one night for to lay,
And that was the beginning of my misery.
How to play Rosemary Lane
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is Bm. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.