Billy Boy

Where have ye bin all the day, Billy Boy, Billy Boy?
    Where have ye bin all the day, me Billy Boy?
I’ve bin walkin’ on the quay, with me darlin’ Nancy Lee.
    An’ sweet Nancy tickl’d me fancy, oh, me charmin’ Billy Boy!

Is she fit to be yer wife, Billy Boy, Billy Boy?
    Is she fit to be yer wife, me Billy Boy?
Aye, she’s fit to be me wife as the fork is to the knife.
    An’ sweet Nancy, etc.

Can she cook a bit o’ steak, Billy Boy, Billy Boy?
She can cook a bit o’ steak, aye, an’ make a griddle cake.

Can she make an Irish stew, Billy Boy, Billy Boy?
She can make an Irish stew, aye, a’ singin’ hinnies too.

Can she darn an’ can she sew, Billy Boy, Billy Boy?
She can darn an’ she can sew, aye, there’s nought she cannot do.

Can she wash an’ can she clean, Billy Boy,Billy Boy?
She can wash an’ she can clean, aye, an’ play the tambourine.

Can she make a feather bed, Billy Boy, Billy Boy?
She can make a feather bed, aye, fit for a sailor’s head.

Does she sleep close unto thee, Billy Boy, Billy Boy?
Aye, she sleeps close unto me, like the bark is to the tree.