On trouve trace de cette chanson pour la première fois en 1608 à Londres. Elle est alors jouée par Thomas Heywood. Elle est devenue très populaire dans le monde des marins.
1. In Amsterdam there lived a maid
Mark well what I do say !
In Amsterdam there lived a maid
And she was mistress of her trade
I'll go no more a-roving with you, fair maid !
A-roving, a-roving
Since roving's been my ru-i-in
I'll go no more a-roving with you, fair maid !
2. I asked this maid to take a walk
Mark well what I do say !
I asked this maid out for a walk
That we might have some private talk
I'll go no more a-roving with you, fair maid !
3. Then a great big Dutchman rammed my bow
Mark well what I do say !
For a great big Dutchman rammed my bow
And said "Young man, dees ees mein frau !"
I'll go no more a-roving with you, fair maid !
4. Then take fair warning, boys, from me
Mark well what I do say !
So take fair warning, boys, from me
With other men's wives, don't make too free
I'll go no more a-roving with you, fair maid !