A Sailor's life is a merry life

He robs young girls of their heart's delight

Leaving them alone to weep and mourn

They never know when he'll return



Of four and twenty all in a row

My true love makes the finest show

He's proper tall, genteel with all

If I can't have him I'll have none at all



My father built me a bonny boat

That on the ocean I might float

And every queen ship that we passed by

I'd there inquire for my sailor boy



She had not sailed long upon the deep

When a queen ship she chanced to meet

You sailors all please tell me true

Does my sweet William sail among your crew?



Oh no fair maiden he's not here

For he's been drowned we greatly fear

On yon green island as we passed by

There we lost sight upon your sailor boy



She wrung her hands, she tore her hair

She was a maid in great despair

Her little boat on the rock she did run

Saying how shall I live now that my William is gone?



A sailor's life is a merry life

He robs young girls of their heart's delight

Leaving them behind to weep and mourn

They never know when he'll return