Ewan MacColl
I met my girl at Woolwich Pier
Beneath the big cranes standing
And oh, the love I felt for her
It passed all understanding.
Took her sailing on the river
Flow sweet river, flow
London town was mine to give her
Sweet Thames flow softly.
Made the Thames into a crown
Flow sweet river, flow
Made a brooch of Silver town
Sweet Thames flow softly.
At London Yard I held her hand
At Blackwall Point I faced her
At the Isle of Dogs I kissed her mouth
And tenderly embraced her.
Heard the bells of Greenwich ringing, Flow . . .
All the time I had was singing, Sweet Thames . . .
Lighthouse Reach I gave her there, Flow . . .
As a ribbon for her hair, Sweet Thames . . .
From Putney Bridge to Nine Elms Reach
We cheek to cheek were dancing
Her necklace made of London Bridge
Her beauty was enhancing.
Kissed her once again at Wapping, Flow . . .
After that there was no stopping, Sweet Thames . . .
Gave her Hampton Court to twist, Flow . . .
Into a bracelet for her wrist, Sweet Thames . . .
But now alas the tide has changed
My love she has gone from me
And winter's frost has touched my heart
And put a blight upon me.
Creeping fog is on the river, Flow . . .
Sun and moon and stars gone with her, Sweet Thames . . .
Swift the Thames runs to the sea, Flow . . .
Bearing ships and part of me, Sweet Thames . . .