When I was a fair maid about seventeen
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 rattle and the music so grand
And the music so grand, and the music so grand
For to hear the cannons rattle 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 tall and slender, my fingers long and thin
Oh the very soon they learned me, I soon exceeded them
I soon exceeded them, I soon exceeded them
Oh 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, it oft times made me smile
For to think I was a sailor and a maiden all the while
And a maiden all the while, and a maiden all the while
For to think I was a sailor and a maiden all the while
Well, they sent me off to London for to guard the Tower
And I'm sure I might be there 'til my very dying hour
But a lady fell in love with me, I told her I was a maid
Oh she went unto the captain and my secret she betrayed
My secret she betrayed, my secret she betrayed
Oh she went unto the captain and my secret she betrayed
Well, the captain, he came up to me and he asked if this was so
Oh I dare not, I dare not, 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
A handsome young maid, 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've been so kind to me
And likewise, my shipmates, I'm sorry to part with thee
But if ever the navy needs a lad, a sailor I'll remain
I'll put out my hat and feathers and I'll run the rigging again
And I'll run the rigging again, I'll run the rigging again
I'll put out my hat and feathers and I'll run the rigging again