Oh when I was a fair maid about seventeen
I ‘listed in the Navy for to serve the Queen
I ‘listed in the Navy, a sailor for to stand
For to hear the cannons rattlin’ and the music so grand
Refrain: (always the same format — tinker with the last line)
The music so grand, the music so grand
For to hear the cannons rattlin’ and the music so grand
The officer who enlisted me was a fine and handsome man
He said, «You’ll make a sailor, so come along, my man»
My waist being tall and slender, my fingers long and slim
The minute that they learned me, I had exceeded them
They sent me to bunk and they sent me to bed
To lie with the sailors I never was afraid
But in putting off my blue coat, well, it ofttimes made me smile
For to think I’d lain with a thousand men and a maiden all the while
They sent me to London for to guard the Tower
I think that I would be there ’til my very dying hour
But a lady fell in love with me — I told her I was a maid
She went up to my captain and my secret she betrayed
The captain he came up to me and he asked if it was so
I dare not, I dare not, I dare not say no
«‘Tis a pity we should lose you — such a sailor lad you made
‘Tis a pity we should lose you, such a handsome young maid»
So fare thee well, Captain, you’ve been so kind to me
And likewise to my shipmates — I’m sorry to part from thee
But if ever the Navy needs a lad, a sailor I’ll remain
I’ll put off my cap and feathers and I’ll run the rigging again