This ditty is basically about an out-of-towner visiting London who picks up a girl who turns out to be a prostitute who leads him to her brothel with intent to rob him.   Printed versions, which go back to at least the late 18th century, are normally entitled “Quite Politely” or “Yorkshireman in London”.  Clearly at that time, a country chap from Yorkshire was not expected to be up with the whiles of the girls of the city.

The Norfolk singer Walter Pardon knew the song, but it is really quite rare.  Most versions are from England.

Notes by Gwilym Davies 29 March 2016