The rambling Sailor



l am a sailor stout and bold,

Long time I have ploughed the ocean

To fight for my king and country too,

For honour and promotion.

I said: "Brother sailors I will bid you adieu.

I will go no more to the seas with you,

I will travel the country through and through,

And still be a rambling sailor."



When I came to Greenwich town

There were lasses plenty!

I boldly stepped up to one

To court her for her beauty.

I said: "My dear, be of good cheer.

I will not leave, you need not fear,

I will travel the country through and through,

And still be a rambling sailor."

When I came to Woolwich town,

There were lasses plenty.

I boldly stepped up to one

To court her for her money.

I said: "My dear, what do you choose?

There's ale and wine and rum punch too,

Besides a pair of new silk shoes

To travel with a rambling sailor."



When I awoke all in the morn

I left my love a-sleeping.

I left her for an hour or two

Whilst I go courting some other;

But if she stays till I return

She may stay there till the day of doom.

I'll court some other girl in her room,

And still be a rambling sailor.



And if you want to know my name,

My name it is young Johnson.

I have got a commission from the king

To court all girls that are handsome.

With my false heart and flattering tongue

I court all girls both old and young;

l court them all and marry none,

And still be a rambling sailor.



Note: a completely different slant from that in Killen's version

From Oxford Book of Sea Songs, Palmer

@sailor @infidelity

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