Synopsis
One variant of the song begins with the words:
When I was in service in Rosemary Lane
I won the good will of my master and dame
Until a young sailor came there to stay
And that was the beginning of my misery.
The sailor seduces the servant and makes grand promises of money as he departs, but in fact he leaves her pregnant and alone to ponder her child's future:
Now if it’s a boy, he’ll fight for the King,
And if it’s a girl she’ll wear a gold ring;
She’ll wear a gold ring and a dress all aflame
And remember my service in Rosemary Lane.
Read more about this topic: Rosemary Lane (song)