At the begining of the dance it is the job of the Tommy to introduce the dancers and the dance to the onlookers. In our first set of figures he would do this by reciting the following words:
Kind friends now I pray give attention And just listen to what I've to say In the first place I merely will mention By chance we have travelled this way We've travelled this country for pleasure Likewise to partake of your cheer And the lasses we mean to be courtin' And to taste all the publicans beer
I've brought here five merry young fellas So noble, so handsome, so nice (pause for laughter!) So be quick bonny lasses and tell us Which of my five men is your choice
Kind freinds now you've seen my five actors They mean to act up to their part They've travelled this world full of danger With strong hands and stout willing hearts Be calm lads, be mindful be steady You're fit to jump ower the moon Now player I hope you'll get ready And play us a canny bit tune