Maid of Amsterdam (A-Rovin)

Song Information

Composer: Traditional

Lyric Author: Traditional

Published: 17th Century?

Country of origin: England

General Interest

There are so many variants of this song, and a very murky history. Some say it's based on Thomas Heywood's play The Rape of Lucrece published 1608 and first performed around 1630. Variants have also been found in Denmark and France, although not as early.

The setting varies - some versions are set in English port towns instead of Amsterdam. The common theme seems to be a cautionary tale, warning young men of dallying with women of loose repute (or other men's wives). Many of the lyrics are remarkably course and explicit!

The version the Foothills Pub Chorus sings stays on the side of respectability, to remain family-friendly!

Here's a link to the Lyric:

Maid of Amsterdam Lyric

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