It was in the town of Devon in the year of '69
That I met an old sailor man very long past his prime
He told me of his ventures, his troubles and adventures
And told me of the dangers that I would meet in time.
(Chorus)
Keep away from the women,
Keep away from the song
Keep away from the whisky and you won't go very wrong
He fought for England's glory through many's the bitter day
And when the flag of truce was raised he was forced to go away
To try and make a living for his family and wife
On board a merchant vessel for the rest of his life
(Chorus)
Well, life for a sailor man is anything but sweet
For months on end you go and not a stranger do you meet
But when the ship she docks and you step out on dry land
There's wine and women and whisky, and music oh so grand
(Chorus)
'Twas in the town of Dublin I met a girl so fine
She told me of her troubles and I told her of mine
Then with the help of whisky she robbed me and she left me
In a land beyond the ocean, in a land beyond the sea
(Chorus)
For twenty long years he worked his fingers to the bone
To try and raise some money for to make his way home
Back to his homeland in a land so far away
Where he'd make a solemn promise never more for to stray
(Chorus x2)