Errand Lasses And Buffer Girls
Off up town and bold as brass, On't Moor you'd see 'em walking
Black as soot from the buffing muck, With a bawdy way of talking
Arm in arm without a care, Watch out lads you'd best beware
Go up 'gainst them if you dare, Here come the buffer girls
Red head scarves and calico brats
Brown paper leggings and finger rags
You'd hear the sound as the wheels went round
Songs and laughter and the lads would tell
Of the errand lasses and the buffer girls
Of the errand lasses and the buffer girls
The buffer's feisty, loud and tough, Would always speak their mind
In the clamour of the buffing shop, The silver spoons they'd shine
On piece work rates or datal pay To work with pride that was their way
Singing all the live long day, To the whine of spindles turning
Now pity the lad from time to time, To the buffing shop did stray
T'was the sport of all the girls, and he would be fair game
Oh such liberties they took,
He was stripped and rubbed with buffing muck
Never again to chance his luck, With the saucy buffer girls
Now all you ladies as you lay, Your tables out so fine
Think of the girls that toil in muck, To make that silver shine
The brightest lasses you'll agree, Delight in their good company
Rough diamonds all and proud to be, Sheffield buffer girls