The Longford Weaver also known as Nancy Whiskey or Long Cookstown.
There are many versions of this song, this particular arrangement I got from an Andy Irvine album called 'Rainy Sundays...Windy Dreams' (1980).
First found printed in broadsides in the early part of the 1800s.
The song describes a young weaver who goes on a bit of a bender and blows his wages on whiskey and good times. Then heading for home the following morning with empty pockets and a sore head, warns himself not to be getting up to such shenanigans again in the future!
I personally like to imagine that the same boy will be found on the rip, in the same alehouse with a belly full o' porter the next season.
Lyrics below;
These five long quarters I have been weaving
And for me weaving I was paid down.
I bought a shirt in the foremost fashion,
All for to walk up thro' Longford town.
I walked up and thro' Longford city,
Where Nancy's Whiskey I did chance to smell.
I thought it fun for to go and taste it,
These five long quarters I've liked it well.
I entered into a little alehouse
Begged Nancy's pardon for making free
And Nancy met me at every corner,
You're hearty welcome, young man, says she.
We both sat down at a little table,
We looked at other a little while,
We both sat down at a little table
And Nancy's whiskey did me beguile.
I found meself then in a little parlour,
I found meself then in a little bed,
I tried to rise, but I was not able
For Nancy's whiskey it held down me head.
When I arose, aye, the following morning,
I asked the reckoning I had to pay.
It's fifteen shillings for ale and porter,
Come pay it quickly now and get away.
I put the moneys out on the table
Saying I'll leave this money down with the rest
And I'll drink a health to every young man
And the wee lassie that I love best.
And I'll go home, I'll begin me weaving,
I'll steer me shuttle another while,
And if I live for another season,
It's Nancy's whiskey will not me beguile.