"New York Girls", also known as "Can't You Dance the Polka," is a traditional sea shanty.
An earlier book "Sailors' Songs or Chanties", first edition 1887, by Davis and Tozer contains a version, but does not specify when it was collected.
The lyrics have many variations, but almost all versions contain this chorus, sung after each verse:[4] And away, you Santee My dear Annie Oh, you New York girls Can't you dance the polka?
A less common alternate chorus is:[5] And away, you Johnny My dear honey Oh, you New York girls You love us for our money The lyrics are often a cautionary tale of a sailor being tricked by a pretty girl who spends all of his money and in some cases robs him.
This is summed up in these verses found in some versions:[6] So come all you bully sailormen, take warning when ashore Or else you'll meet some charming girl who's nothing but a whore Your hard-earned cash will disappear, your rig and boots as well For Yankee girls are tougher than the other side of Hell The song has been recorded by many artists:[2]