Ratcliffe Highway

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AHOY THERE:  This song is sung to the same tune as Blow the man down,  and is full of double-entendres,  which partially hides its bawdy story.   The word "lazareet" is a corruption of lazaretto,  a hospital treating contagious diseases.  I love it!

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As I wuz a roll-in' down the High-way one morn,
I spied a flash pack-et from ol' Wapping town
As soon as I seed her I slacked me main brace,
An' I hoist-ed me stun-sl's an' to her gave chase,

Oh, me rig-gin's slack,  Aye me ratt-lin's are fray'd,
I've ratt-led me rig-gin' down Rat-cliffe High-way!

I fired me bow-chaser,  the signal she new
She backed her main tops'l an' for me hove to'
I lowered down me jolly-boat an' roved alongside,
An' I found madam's gangway wuz open an' wide.

I entered her little cubby-hole,  an' swore,  "Damn your eyes!"
She wuz nothin' but a fireship rigged up in disguise;
She had a foul bottom,  from sternpost to fore;
'Tween the wind and water she ran me ashore.

She set fire to me riggin',  as well as me hull,
An' away to the lazareet I had to scull.
Wid me helm hard-a-starboard as I rolled along,
Me shipmates cried, "Hey,  Jack,  yer mainyard is sprung!"

Here's a health to the gal wid the black,  curly locks;
Here's a health to the gal who ran me on the rocks,
Here's a health to the quack,  boys,  who eased me from pain,
If I meet that flash packet I'll board her again!

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