[Intro] In 1742 it was customary in the township of Halifax For a gentleman to partake occasionally of ratafia Which was ... a light-flavored liqueur of amazing potency Which originated in Middlesex And which we suppose is the reason for this song [Refrain] Oh, Miss Bailey! Unfortunate Miss Bailey! [Verse 1] A captain bold in Halifax who dwelt in country quarters Seduced a maid who hanged herself one Monday in her garters His wicked conscience smited him; he lost his stomach daily He took to drinking ratafia and thought upon Miss Bailey [Refrain] Oh, Miss Bailey! Unfortunate Miss Bailey! [Verse 2] One night betimes he went to bed for he had caught the fever Said he, "I am a handsome man, and I'm a gay deceiver" His candle just at twelve o'clock began to burn quite palely A ghost stepped up to his bedside and said, "Behold, Miss Bailey!" [Refrain] Oh, Miss Bailey! Unfortunate Miss Bailey! [Verse 3] "Avaunt, Miss Bailey!" then he cried, "you can't affright me, really" "Dear Captain Smith," the ghost replied, "you used me ungenteely A coroner's quest goes hard on me because I've acted frailly And Parson Biggs won't bury me though I'm a dead Miss Bailey" [Refrain] Oh, Miss Bailey! Unfortunate Miss Bailey! [Verse 4] "Dear Ma'am," says he, "since you and I must once for all accounts close I have a one-pound note in my regimental smallclothes 'Twill bribe the sexton for your grave", the ghost then answered gaily "Bless you, wicked Captain Smith, remember poor Miss Bailey!" [Refrain] Oh, Miss Bailey! Unfortunate Miss Bailey! [Outro] "All's well that ends well, I suppose"