First I loved Thomas, Then I loved John
And then I loved william, he's a clever young man
With his white cotton stockings, and his low ankles shoes,
And he wears a blue jacket wherever he goes
Oh drinking and dancing, sure that were my delight
Flash company been the ruin of me, and the ruin of me quite
Flash company been the ruin of me, and a great many more
If it weren't for flash company I should never have been so poor
So you take this yellow handkerchief in remembrance of me,
And tie it round your neck m'love in your flash company
Flash company been the ruin of me, and a great many more
If it weren't for flash company, I should never have been so poor
Once I had a colour as red as the rose
Now my colour has faded like the lily that grows
Like a flower in the winter, all my colour has gone
So you see what I have come to from loving that one.
Oh take this yellow handkerchief in rememberance of me
And tie it roudn your neck m'love in your flash company
Flash company been the ruin of me, and a great many more
If it weren't for flash company, I should never have been so poor
So all you pretty flash girls, take warning by me
And never build your nest in the top of a tree
For the green leaves they will wither and the root will decay
And the beauty of a fair maiden shall soon fade away
So take this yellow handkerchief in remembrance of me
And tie it round your neck m'love in your flash company
Flash company been the ruin of me, and a great many more
If it weren't for flash company, I should never have been so poor