When I Was A Fair Maid
To tell the truth, I don't know where this from!When I was a fair maid about 17
I 'listed in the navy for to serve the queen
I 'listed in the navy a sailor lad to stand
For to hear the cannons rattling, and the music so grand
and the music so grand, and the music so grand
To hear the cannons rattling and the music so grand.
Well, the officer that 'listed me was a tall and handsome man
He said you'll make a sailor, so come along my man
My waist being small and slender, my fingers long and thin
And the very soon they learned me, I soon exceeded them
I soon exceeded them, and I soon exceeded them
And the very soon they learned me, I soon exceeded them.
Well, they sent me to bed, and they sent me to bunk
To lie with a sailor I never was afraid
But taking off my blue coat sure it often made me smile
To think that I was a sailor and a maiden all the while
a maiden all the while, and a maiden all the while.
To think that I was a sailor and a maiden all the while.
Well, they sent me up to London for to guard the Tower
And I'm sure I might be there till my very dying hour
But a lady fell in love with me, and I told her I was a maid O, she went unto the captain and me secret she betrayed.
My secret she betrayed and my secret she betrayed
O, she went unto the captain and my secret she betrayed.
Well, the captain he came up to me and he asked if it was so
O, I dare not, O, I dare not, O, I dare not say no.
It's a pity we should lose you, such a sailor lad you made
It's a pity we should lose you, such a handsome young maid
Such a handsome young maid, such a handsome young maid
It's a pity we should lose you such a handsome young maid.
So it's fare thee well Captain, You been so kind to me
And likewise me shipmates I'm sorry to part with thee.
But if ever the Navy needs a lad, I sailor I'll remain
I'll put on my hat and feathers and I'll run the riggin' again
I'll run the riggin' again, and I'll run the riggin again
I'll put on my hat and feathers and I'll run the rigging again.
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