Nancy Whisky
Version 1
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Brian Hicks
Information
Lyrics

Nancy Whiskey (or Whisky) first appears in print in the early 1900s. Nancy Whiskey does not refer to a woman, but to the drink.

There are two other versions of Nancy Whisky at this site:

I got the tune and lyrics from different sources - the Kennedy book does not have a chorus. However, because the music has a chorus I include the chorus from The Carlton Weaver. To make the music fit the lyrics sing it after each verse.

O, seven long years have I have been weaving
A weaving me a new suit of clothes
And so when I saved me a little money
I took a ramble as you may suppose.

Chorus
O whiskey, whiskey, Nancy Whiskey
Whiskey, whiskey, Nancy-o.

As I was going up fair London city
Young Nancy Whisky I chanced to smell
So I thought it proper to call and see her
For seven long years I had loved her well

I stepped up boldly, knocked at her window
And asked her pardon for being so free,
She said: Young man, you are kindly welcome
Come in, sit down and keep me company

And when I woke all in the morning
I found myself on some strange bed
I tried to dress but I was not able
For Nancy Whisky had me by the head

I boldly call-ed for the waitress
And what's the reckoning I have to pay?
Thirty shillings and a sixpence
Come pay it down and go your way

I put my hand all in my pocket
And I paid it down in ready coin
And when I'd paid out all her reckoning
It brought my store down to one half-crown

As I went down fair London city
I chanced to meet with a gentlemen
Along with him I spent two and tuppence
Which brought me down to one four-pence

All I've left now is that one four-pence
The very last of my precious store
I'll go back and see my Nancy
Then I'll go home and work for more

Then I'll go back unto my weaving
And there I'll work for seven long years
And if I live for another seven
I'll go back any find my Nancy dear

So come all you weavers now take a warning
When you leave off working at the loom
For of all the girls in London city
Young Nancy Whisky will prove your ruin.
Related Links
Lyrics from
Folksongs of Britain and Ireland
See Bibliography for full information.