Oh, who wouldn’t be a sailor lad a-sailing on the main,
To gain the good will of his captain, well that is what’s to
Blame;
For I stepped ashore one evening, on a summer’s spree,
And that was the beginning of the whole calamity.
CHORUS:
And it’s home, boys, home; home I’d like to be,
Home for a while in me ain countaree,
With the oak, and the ash, and the bonnie rowan tree,
There all blooming free in the North Countaree!
Well, I asked her for a hankerchief to tie around me head,
Likewise for a candle to light my way to bed;
Well, she tended to my needs, like a young maid ought to do,
So I upped and asked her if she wouldn’t nestle with me too.
(chorus)
Well, she hopped into my bed now, taking no alarm,
Thinking a young sailor lad to her could do no harm;
And I hugged her and I kissed her, all the night through,
‘Till she wished that the short night had beensevenyears long.
(chorus)
Early the next morning, the sailor lad arose,
And into Mary’s pocket poured a pocket full of gold;
Saying take this, my dear, for the mischief I have done,
For tonight I feel I’ve left you with a daughter or a son.
(chorus)
Well, if it be a girl child, send her off to nurse,
With silver in her pocket, and gold up in her purse;
But if it be a boy child, give him the jacket blue,
He’ll be climbing up the rigging like his daddyclimbedup you.
(chorus)
Well, come all ye fair maidens, take this advice from me;
Never let a sailor lad an inch above your knee;
For I trusted one, and he beguiled me,
He left me with a pair of twins to dangle on my knees!
(chorus)