First I loved Thomas, Then I loved JohnnAnd then I loved william, he's a clever young mannWith his white cotton stockings, and his low ankles shoes,nAnd he wears a blue jacket wherever he goesnnOh drinking and dancing, sure that were my delightnFlash company been the ruin of me, and the ruin of me quitenFlash company been the ruin of me, and a great many morenIf it weren't for flash company I should never have been so poornnSo you take this yellow handkerchief in remembrance of me,nAnd tie it round your neck m'love in your flash companynFlash company been the ruin of me, and a great many morenIf it weren't for flash company, I should never have been so poornnOnce I had a colour as red as the rosenNow my colour has faded like the lily that growsnLike a flower in the winter, all my colour has gonenSo you see what I have come to from loving that one.nnOh take this yellow handkerchief in rememberance of menAnd tie it roudn your neck m'love in your flash companynFlash company been the ruin of me, and a great many morenIf it weren't for flash company, I should never have been so poornnSo all you pretty flash girls, take warning by menAnd never build your nest in the top of a treenFor the green leaves they will wither and the root will decaynAnd the beauty of a fair maiden shall soon fade awaynnSo take this yellow handkerchief in remembrance of menAnd tie it round your neck m'love in your flash companynFlash company been the ruin of me, and a great many morenIf it weren't for flash company, I should never have been so poor