This opinion was held by, and may originate with, John Masefield who wrote, "The words of the solo are scarcely fitted for quotation, but those who wish to know what they are like may consult Thomas Heywood's play of 'Valentinian', where a song almost identical, is given at length."
"[1] The tune and lyrics of a version entitled "Lee-gangway Chorus (a-roving)" but opening with the familiar "In Amsterdam there dwelt a maid" was included in Naval Songs (1883) by William A Pond.
[14] The notes for the Doug Bailey-produced album Short Sharp Shanties claim the most traditional lyrics describe the sailor progressively touching different parts of the maid's body.
[15][16][17][18] Stanley Slade of Bristol, England, known as 'The Last Shantyman',[19] sang a version to folklorist Peter Kennedy in 1943,[20] and the recording is available online via the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library.
[22] Alan Lomax recorded two versions of the song in the United States, one from Charles J Finger of Washington D.C. in 1937,[23] and another from Captain Richard Maitland in Sailor's Snug Harbor retirement home in Staten Island, New York in 1939.
It is the 2nd track of the soundtrack of the video game Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, and the song can be heard when the main character is sailing the ship.