“To the Ladies” Sheet Music (pdf).
“To the Ladies” Karaoke (midi with lyrics).
Lyrics: Anonymous.
Tune: Traditional.
Young ladies in town and those that live ’round,
Wear none but your own country linen;
Of economy boast; let your pride be the most
To show clothes of your own make and spinnin’.
What if homespun, they say, be not quite so gay
As brocades, be not in a passion;
For once it is known ’tis much worn in town,
One and all will cry out, “’Tis the fashion!”
And as one all agree that you’ll not married be
To such as will wear London fact’ry,
But at first sight refuse, tell ’em such you will choose
As encourage our own manufact’ry.
So, no more ribbons wear, nor in rich silks appear,
Love your country much better than fine things;
Begin without passion; ’twill soon be the fashion
To grace your smooth locks with a twine string.
These do without fear, and to all you’ll appear
Fair, charming, true, lovely, and clever;
Though the times remain darkish, young men will be sparkish
And love you much better than ever.
What if homespun, they say, be not quite so gay
As brocades, be not in a passion.
For once it is known ’tis much worn in town,
One and all will cry out, “’Tis the fashion!”