Oh the jigging and all the dancing it was all my delight
And staying out late, my boys, been the ruin of me quite
Staying out late, my boys, like a great many more
If it hadn't have been for flash company I should never have been so poor

Once I had a colour as red as any rose
But now I'm as pale as the lily that grows
As the lily in the garden, my beauty's all gone
If it hadn't have been for flash company I should never have been so poor

So take this yellow handkerchief in remembrance of me
Tie it safely 'round your neck when in flash company
Flash company's been the ruin of a great many more
If it hadn't have been for flash company I should never have been so poor
If it hadn't have been for flash company I should never have been so poor