Betsey Baker

From Thomas Hudson’s 5th Collection of Comic Songs
Tune "Head Man at Mrs Grundy's"

FROM noise and bustle far away, hard work my time employing.
How happy did I pass each day, content and health enjoying: .
The birds did sing, and so did I, as I trudg'd o'er each acre;
I never knew what 'twas to sigh, till I saw Betsey Baker.

At Church I met her dress'd so neat, one Sunday in hot weather.
With love I found my heart did beat as we sung psalms together;
So piously she hung her head, the while her yoice did shake, ah!
I thought if ever I did wed, 'twould be with Betsey Baker,

From her side I could not budge, and sure I thought no harm on't;
My elbow then she gave a nudge, and bade me mind the sarment;
When church was over out she walk'd, but I did overtake her.
Determined I would not be baulked, spoke to Betsey Baker

Her manners were genteel and cool, I found on conversation;
She'd just come home from boarding school, and finished her education;
But love made me speak out quite free : says I, I've many an acre,.
Will you give me your company? "I sha'nt," said Betsey Baker.

All my entreaties she did slight, and I was forc'd to leave her;
I got no sleep all that there night, for love had brought a fever;
The doctor came, he smelt his cane, with long face like a quaker; 
Said he, "Young man, pray where's thy pain?" says I, "Sir, Betsey Baker." 

Because I was not bad enough, be boluss'd and he pill'd me; 
And if I had taken all his stuff, I think be must ha' kill'd me;
I put an end to all the strife, 'twixt him and the Undertaker;
And what d'ye think 'twas saved my life? Why, thoughts of Betsey Baker.

I then again to Betsey went, once more with love attack'd her;
But meantime she got acquainted wi' a ramping mad play actor;
If she would have him, he did say a lady he would make her:
He gammon'd her to run away, and I lost Betsey Baker.

I fretted very much to find, my hopes of love so undone.
And mother thought 'twould ease my mind if I came up  to London;
But tho' I strive another way, my thoughts will ne'er forsake her;
I dream all night, and think all day of cruel Betsey Baker


bolus = a large spherical tablet
ramping mad = either very angry or very drunk
gammoned = hoaxed.

A song originally written and performed by Thomas Hudson (1791- 1844) a song-writer and performer active in the singing taverns and supper rooms that influenced the early Music Hall in London.  Hudson published his own songs – this one appeared in his fifth collection, published in 1824.