Lyrics

[Verse 1] Short jacket and white trousers this young girl she put on And like a gallant seaman bold went rolling through the town She did sign on with our Captain Blair a sailor for to be And it was to seek her own true love all on the raging sea [Verse 2] One night as she sat drowsing, she was ready for her bed Our captain heaved a sigh and said, "Oh, I wish you was a maid Your cherry cheek and ruby lip they have beguiled me And I've often wished with all my heart you could my sweetheart be." [Verse 3] "Oh hold your tongue, dear Captain, you know such talk's in vain And if our shipmates come to know they would make sport and game But when that we do get ashore some pretty girls we'll find For to ramble along with us bold lads, seeing you're that way inclined." [Verse 4] It's about a few days after we reached the London shore And this gal put on her petticoats which made the captain roar "Oh, a sailor I have been on board but a maid I'm going ashore And you've missed your chance, dear Captain, so farewell for ever more."