Ranjekaat Mädchen

Ranjekaat Mädchen (Anglish: 'Ranjekaat Girls') is a famous Derthaler sea shanty, of which the lyrics are often a cautionary tale of a sailor being tricked by a pretty girl, who ends up spending all of his money and, in some cases, robbing him.

The lyrics have many variations, but almost all versions contain this chorus, sung after each verse

Lyrics

Anglish translation
As I walked down De Heere Straet, one morning in July A Reisiger maid, she asked me trade, a sailor man said I |:And away you santy, my dear Annie Oh you Ranjekaat girls, can't ye dance the polka?:|
To V&D's I took her, I did not mind expense I bought her two gold earrings, they cost me eighteen Pfennig |:And away you santy, my dear Annie Oh you Ranjekaat girls, can't ye dance the polka?:|
Says she 'you De'taler Sailor, now see me home you may' But when we reached her cottage door this to me did say She said 'me lover he's a Reisiger, with his hair cut short behind He wears a pair of tall sea boots and he sails in the Blackball Line' |:And away you santy, my dear Annie Oh you Ranjekaat girls, can't ye dance the polka?:|
He's homeward bound this evening, and with me he will stay So get a move on sailor man, get cracking on your way I kissed her hard and proper, before her flashman came Saying 'fare thee well ye barmy girl, I know your little game' |:And away you santy, my dear Annie Oh you Ranjekaat girls, can't ye dance the polka?:|
So I wrapped me glad rags 'round me and to the docks did steer I'll never court another girl, I'll stick with rum and beer |:And away you santy, my dear Annie Oh you Ranjekaat girls, can't ye dance the polka?:| x2